Notice

SEMINAR AND DISCUSSION SOCIETY

CAMPUS LAW CENTRE

http://sdsclc.blogspot.in/ 

Ms. Sapna Sharma and Ms. Maansi Verma will initiate discussion on “FILM CENSORSHIP LAWS IN INDIA – A CRITIQUE”, on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 1;30 p.m in the Seminar Hall of Campus Law Centre.

A brief synopsis is attached herewith. All are welcome to participate in the discussion.

Mrs. Harleen Kaur

Teacher Coordinator

Seminar And Discussion Society

SYNOPSIS

BY

Ms. Sapna Sharma and Ms. Maansi Verma

FILM CENSORSHIP LAWS IN INDIA – A CRITIQUE

                                     

At present there are two Central Laws in operation - The Cinematograph Act, 1918 and Cinematograph Act, 1952. Both relate to certification of films and licensing of exhibitors. But whereas, the Act of 1952 repealed some portions of the earlier Act, some parts of the 1918 Act still apply. And this has lead to an anomaly. While the 1952 Act keeps a check on the power of a State to ban a movie which has been cleared by Censor Board, the other gives free run to a State in such matters.

A look at the Cinematograph ( Certification ) Rules, 1983, shows that adequate caution is exercised by the Central Board of Film Certification in granting an appropriate Certificate to a film. Is further State censorship justified ? Is it a reasonable restriction in light of Article 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g) ?

The Draft Cinematograph Bill, 2010 has been pending in Parliament and the recent controversy regarding Kamal Haasan's movie "Vishwaroopam", has forced the Government to have a relook at the existing laws. A scrutiny of the Bill reveals that it will be an improvement over the existing Act.