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

This Bill amends the Cinematograph Act, 1952 to modernize film certification by introducing specific age-based categories (UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+) and making certificates permanently valid. It also introduces new criminal penalties to curb film piracy by prohibiting unauthorized recording and exhibition of films.

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.

• 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.

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