Centre to control CBFC

Many film content of late has come under the scanner for various reasons. Few scenes triggered huge controversies across the country and this forced the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry to seek public comments on the new Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill,2021.

The Modi government abolished the Film Certificate Appellate Tribunal and the proposed legislation makes changes to the archaic Cinematograph Act,1952 which guides the functioning of the Central Board of Film Certification (Cbfc).

The amendments give powers to the Union Government to seek re-examination of a film, subdivision of the existing unrestricted public exhibition (UA) category into age-based categories, prohibition of unauthorised recording,and listing penalties against offenders in a bid to curb the menace of piracy.

The government's proposal comes in the wake of many OTT platforms and the makers of webseries flouting the norms raising questions over the existence of the Cbfc itself.