Union Cabinet approves Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023, to be introduced in the upcoming Session of Parliament

The Union Cabinet on April 19, 2023 approved the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023 that has provisions to curb transmission of pirated film content on the internet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday (April 19) approved the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2023 that has provisions to curb transmission of pirated film content on the internet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said.

Briefing reporters on the decisions taken by the Union Cabinet, Mr. Thakur said the Bill will be introduced in the upcoming Session of Parliament.

He said the Bill also has provisions to classify films on the basis of age group, instead of the current practice of 'U', 'A', and 'UA'.

"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.

Mr. Thakur said wide-ranging consultations were held with stakeholders on the Bill.

"This Bill will live up to the expectations of the industry.... This Bill is going to satisfy each and every one without any controversy,” the Minister said.

He said there were demands from various stakeholders to take action to curb piracy, on age-based film classification and certain redundant provisions in the existing Act.