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Context: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry to amend the Cinematograph Act 1952.

Details:

• The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has announced plans to introduce the necessary amendments to the Cinematograph Act 1952 to combat film piracy.
• The Ministry has assured that the anti-piracy issues will be addressed after consultation with the stakeholders of the industry.

About Cinematography Act 1952:

• The Indian Cinematograph Act 1920 created Censor Boards in a few cities. These boards (which were autonomous) were placed under the city’s police chiefs.
• In 1952, it was reconstituted as the Central Board of Film Censors. In 1983, the name was changed to Central Board of Film Certification.
• The Cinematograph Act, 1952 is an Act to make provision for the certification of cinematograph films for exhibition and for regulating exhibitions.
• The Act states that a film will not be certified if any part of the film is:
  • Against India’s sovereignty and integrity
  • Against the State’s security
  • Against friendly relations with foreign nations
  • Against public order
  • Against decency
  • Involves defamation or contempt of court
• Even the film’s title will be scrutinized as per the rules and guidelines.
• According to the Act, the scenes showing extreme violence, obscene language, vulgarity, contempt of court, an insult to the national symbol, the incorrect portrayal of personalities, religion, etc. are not permitted.
• The Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) is a statutory body constituted under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as per Cinematograph Act, 1952.
• The FCAT hears appeals filed by applicants aggrieved by any order of the Central Board of Film Certification.
• An aggrieved person has to file an appeal within 30 days from the date of the CBFC order.
• An appeal against a decision of the FCAT can be made to the head of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting or through the country’s legal system.
• The FCAT is headed by a Chairman who is generally a retired Supreme Court judge. He/she is assisted by other members of the Tribunal.

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=Suitable-amendments-will-be-proposed-to-Cinematograph-Act-1952-to-combat-film-piracy%3a-I%26B-Ministry&id=436616

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