The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill 2021 is a proposed amendment to present day censorship laws, whereby the Government seeks to side-step the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), so it can re-examine film certifications in case of complaints against them. It can also review films after they have been passed by the CBFC. The Govt. released the draft bill on 18th June. The general public can submit comments by July 2nd.
2. Terms of the Proposed Bill
The amendment would give the Centre the power to be a “super censor”. According to the Bill, The Centre will have the power to order the CBFC to review permissions given to films, if it feels the content is “against the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, or is likely to incite the commission of any offence.” If the Govt. is under the impression that the above terms for guidance in certifying films (under Section 5B of the Bill) has been violated, it can order the CBFC to cancel or modify the certification given to films. Currently the Centre does not have the power to reverse decisions of the CBFC.
Additionally, the Bill proposes to provide certificates on the basis of age. The new proposal has asked to divide films on the basis of age, with U/A for 7+, U/A for 13+ and U/A certificate for 16+.
