On 4-8-2023, the Ministry of Law and Justice notified the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023 to amend the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
Key Points:
-
The definition of “UA Marker” has been inserted which is an age-based indicator for a film which has received or is intended to receive a ‘‘UA'' certificate under section 4 and such indicator may be “UA 7+” or “UA 13+” or “UA 16+”.
-
Section 6 AA has been inserted relating to the Prohibition of unauthorized recording restricting anyone and everyone from using any audio- visual recording device in a place which is licensed to exhibit films to avoid infringement.
-
Section 6 AB has been inserted prohibiting the use of or abet the use of infringing copy of any film to exhibit to public for profit.
-
In case of contravention, that person will be punished with imprisonment for at least 3 months but not more than 3 years. The person will be liable to pay a fine which is not less than 3 lakhs and can extend upto 5%.
Note: Here, “audio-visual recording device” means a digital or analogue photographic or video camera, or any other technology or device capable of enabling the recording or transmission of a copyrighted cinematographic film or any part thereof, regardless of whether audio-visual recording is the sole or primary purpose of the device.