Union Cabinet gives nod to Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave its green signal to amend the Cinematograph Act to strengthen the fight against film piracy and bring in age-based film classification.

The approval for the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023, with provisions to curb transmission of pirated film content on the internet, among others, came at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It also plans to classify films on the basis of age group, instead of the current 'U', 'A', and 'UA' certification. "U" is for unrestricted public exhibition and “A” is restricted to adult audiences, while “UA” is for unrestricted public exhibition subject to parental guidance for children below the age of 12.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said the Bill would be introduced in the Monsoon Session of Parliament. He said there were wide-ranging consultations with stakeholders on the proposed legislation.

"This Bill will live up to the expectations of the industry....This Bill is going to satisfy each and every one without any controversy. There were demands from various stakeholders," he said.

A Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in 2019 and the new draft was based on consultations with the film industry and also incorporates the best practices from across the world, he said.