Cinematograph Bill introduces UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+ age-based certification

It also introduces new criminal penalties to curb film piracy by prohibiting unauthorized recording and exhibition of films.

Who it concerns: The law affects individuals and entities involved in the film industry, including those desiring to exhibit films (producers/distributors), cinema halls and other exhibition venues, and any person using audio-visual recording devices in licensed places. It also impacts the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Central Government.

What the bill does

• Introduces 'UA marker' age-based indicators: UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+ for films certified for unrestricted public exhibition with parental guidance.
• Allows the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to sanction films for exhibition on television or other prescribed media with a separate certificate, potentially requiring excisions or modifications.
• Removes the 10-year validity limit on film certificates, making them permanently valid.
• Omits the Central Government's power to revise CBFC decisions (Section 6(1)) in light of the Supreme Court judgment in Union of India Vs. K.M. Shankarappa.
• Creates a new offence (Section 6AA) prohibiting the use of audio-visual recording devices in licensed exhibition places to make or transmit infringing copies of films.
• Creates a new offence (Section 6AB) prohibiting the use or abetting of the use of infringing copies of films for public exhibition for profit at unlicensed places or in a manner infringing copyright.
• Prescribes penalties for contravening the new anti-piracy sections: imprisonment from 3 months to 3 years and a fine from 3 lakh rupees to 5% of the audited gross production cost.
• Clarifies that parents or lawful guardians, not other persons, are responsible for enforcing the UA marker guidance for children.

Also in the document

• The Bill explicitly aims to curb film piracy through internet and social media transmission.
• It harmonizes the law with the Supreme Court judgment in Union of India Vs. K.M. Shankarappa by removing the government's revisional powers over CBFC decisions.
• The Financial Memorandum states the Bill would not involve any financial expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India.
• The Bill allows for separate certification for television or other media exhibition, distinct from theatrical release.