NEW DELHI: In a significant move to combat film piracy and improve film classification, the Rajya Sabha has given the green light to the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023. This crucial legislation, tabled by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur, seeks to amend the Cinematograph Act of 1952. The primary objective of the bill is to curb the rampant menace of film piracy, which has caused significant financial losses amounting to Rs 20,000 crore.
Addressing the pressing issue of piracy head-on, Anurag Thakur likened it to cancer, vowing to eradicate it with the support of this bill. The proposed amendments include provisions to combat the unauthorized transmission of pirated film content on the internet. Furthermore, the bill introduces a revamp of the current age-based film certification system employed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
At present, films in India are classified into categories such as 'U' (unrestricted public exhibition), 'A' (restricted to adult audiences), 'UA' (unrestricted public exhibition with parental guidance for children below 12), and 'S' (for special category audiences). The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, seeks to replace the 'UA' category with three distinct age-appropriate certifications: UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+.
The age endorsement within the UA category will provide guidance to parents and guardians without being enforceable by others. This move aims to ensure films are viewed by audiences suitable for their respective age groups, thereby promoting responsible film consumption.
Additionally, the bill introduces measures that require films with an 'A' or 'S' certificate to obtain separate certification for exhibition on television or other media platforms prescribed by the central government. The Board of Film Certification will have the authority to direct applicants to make appropriate deletions or modifications to secure the separate certificate.
The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, emphasizes stringent actions against piracy-related activities. Individuals involved in unauthorized recording and exhibition of films could face imprisonment ranging from three months to three years, along with fines between three lakh rupees and 5 percent of the audited gross production cost.
The bill also brings about changes in the validity of film certificates, making them perpetually valid instead of the current ten-year validity. The central government's power to examine and make orders related to certified or pending films will be removed, streamlining the certification process.
The passage of this bill came amidst a walkout by opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha. Despite their absence, the bill secured approval through a voice vote, signifying the government's commitment to tackle film piracy effectively.
As per Anurag Thakur's statements, the objective is not just to ascertain the financial losses incurred due to piracy, but also to protect the interests of genuine talent within the film industry. To deter potential offenders, the bill proposes a hefty Rs. 3 lakh fine and a 3-year imprisonment sentence for those involved in piracy-related activities.
With the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Indian government takes a definitive step towards safeguarding the film industry's intellectual property and promoting responsible film consumption by audiences of all age groups. By addressing film piracy and enhancing film classification, the government aims to bolster the vibrant Indian film industry and protect the interests of creators and stakeholders alike.
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