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act 037 of 1952 : Cinematograph Act, 1952

PART I
PART II
PART III
PART IV
Section 1. Short title, extent and commencement.

(1) This Act may be called the Cinematograph Act, 1952.

(2) Parts I, II and IV extends to the whole of India 1* * * and Part III extends to 2 [the Union territories] only.
(3) This Act shall come into force on such date3 as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint:
4* * * * * STATE AMENDMENTS
Ladakh (UT).--
Section 1.---In sub-section (3), omit the proviso.
[Vide Union Territory of Ladakh Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Order, 2020, notification No. S.O. 3774(E), dated (23-10-2020).]


1. The words "except the State of Jammu and Kashmir" omitted by Act 25 of 1973, s. 2.
2. Subs. by Act 3 of 1959, s. 2, for "Part C States".
3. 28th July, 1952, Information and Broadcasting Ministry's Notification No. S.R.O.
1066, dated the 10th June, 1952, see Gazette of India, 1952, Part II, s. 3.
4. The Proviso omitted by Act 12 of 2023, s. 3 (w.e.f. 11-8-2023).


Year Description Hindi Description Files(Eng) Files(Hindi)
23-04-1974 Cinematograph Act, 1952 (37 of 1952), Part I& II come into force in J&K
01-06-1983 Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983.
28-02-1984 Cinematograph (Certification) (Amendment) Rules, 1984
29-05-1984 Cinematograph (Certification) (Second Amendment) Rules, 1984
03-08-1994 Cinematograph (Certification) ,(Amendment) Rules, 1994
16-11-1994 Cinematograph (Certification) (Third Amendment) Rules, 1994 & Cinematograph (Certification) (Second Amendment) Rules, 1994
08-02-1995 Cinematograph (Certification) (Amendment) Rules, 1995
28-04-1995 Cinematograph (Certification) (Amendment) Rules 1995
30-10-1995 Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983 Substitute Rules 36 and 44
30-10-1995 Cinematograph (Certification) (2nd Amendment) Rules, 1983.
15-12-1995 Cinematograph (Certification) (Third Amendment) Rules, 1995
18-03-1996 Cinematograph (Certification) Amendment Rules, 1996
25-03-1997 Cinematograph. (Certification) (Amendment) Rules, 1997
10-04-1997 Cinematograph (Certification) Second Amendment Rules 1997
12-11-1997 Cinematograph (Certification) (Third Amendment) Rules, 1997
27-01-2017 Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983, Substitute Rule 36
11-04-2017 Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983, Delete sub-rule 6 of Rule 21
Year Description Hindi Description Files(Eng) Files(Hindi)
06-12-1991 sanctioning films for public exhibition
15-09-1997 scenes tending to encourage, justify or glamourise consumption of tobacco or smoking are not shown
Section 2. Definitions.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,--

(a) adult means a person who has completed his eighteenth year;
1[(b) Board means the Board of Film Certification constituted by the Central Government under section 3;]
2[(bb) certificate means the certificate granted by the Board under section 5A;]
(c) cinematograph includes any apparatus for the representation of moving pictures or series of pictures;
(d) district magistrate, in relation to a presidency-town, means the Commissioner of Police;
3[(dd) "film" means a cinematograph film;]
4[(ddd) "infringing copy" shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in sub-clause (ii) of clause (m) of section 2 of the Copyright Act, 1957 (14 of 1957);]
(e) place includes a house, building, tent and any description of transport, whether by sea, land or air;
(f) "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under this Act;
5[(g) "regional officer" means a regional officer appointed by the Central Government under section 5 and includes an additional regional officer and an assistant regional officer;
6* * * * *.
7[(i) "UA marker" means 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+":
Provided that where the Central Government is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient so to do in public interest, it may, by an order published in the Official Gazette and for the reasons to be recorded in writing, declare such other indicators.]


1. Subs. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 2, for clause (b) (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
2. Ins. by s. 2, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
3. Ins. by Act 3 of 1959, s. 3.
4. Ins. by Act 12 of 2023, s. 4 (w.e.f. 11-8-2023).
5. Ins. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 2 (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
6. Clause (h) omitted by Act 33 of 2021, s. 9 (w.e.f.4-4-2021).
7. Ins. by Act 12 of 2023, s. 4 (w.e.f. 11-8-2023).


Section 2A. Construction of references to any law not in force or any functionary not in existence in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

2A. [Construction of references to any law not in force or any functionary not in existence in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.]--Omitted by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (Adaptation of Central Laws) Order, 2020, vide notification No. S.O. 1123(E) dated (18-3-2020) and Vide Union Territory of Ladakh Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Order, 2020, notification No. S.O. 3774(E), dated (23-10-2020).



Section 3. Board of film Certification.

1[3. Board of film Certification.--(1) For the purpose of sanctioning films for public exhibition, the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute a Board to be called the 2[Board of Film Certification] which shall consist of a Chairman and 3[not less than twelve and not more than twenty-five] other members appointed by the Central Government.

(2) The Chairman of the Board shall receive such salary and allowances as may be determined by the Central Government, and the other members shall receive such allowances or fees for attending the meetings of the Board as may be prescribed.
(3) The other terms and conditions of service of the members of the Board shall be such as may be prescribed.]
4[(4) Whoever aggrieved by any penalty imposed under clauses (d) to (f) of sub-section (1) or section 14, may prefer an appeal to such appellate authority within such period and in such form and manner as may be prescribed.]



1. Subs. by Act 3 of 1959, s. 4, for sections 3 to 6.
2. Subs. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 3, for "Board of Film Censors" (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
3. Subs. by s. 3, ibid., for "not more than nine" (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
4. Ins. by Act 18 of 2023, s. 2 and the Schedule (w.e.f. 1-9-2023).
5. Subs. by Act 12 of 2023, s. 5, for section 4 (w.e.f. 11-8-2023).


Year Description Hindi Description Files(Eng) Files(Hindi)
23-04-1974 Cinematograph Act, 1952 (37 of 1952), Part I& II come into force in J&K
Section 4. Examination of films.

1[4. Examination of films.--(1) Any person desiring to exhibit any film shall make an application to the Board for a certificate in such form and manner as may be prescribed.

(2) The Board may, after examining the film in such manner as may be prescribed,--
(i) sanction the film for unrestricted public exhibition:
Provided that, having regard to any material in the film, if the Board is of the opinion that viewing of such film by any child between seven to eighteen years of age is subject to guidance of parents or lawful guardian, then the Board may sanction the film for unrestricted public exhibition with an endorsement to that effect containing UA marker.
Explanation.--For the removal of doubts, it is hereby clarified that--
(a) the expression "seven" denotes completion of seven years of age and the expression "eighteen" denotes before attaining the age of eighteen years;
(b) an endorsement by the Board shall enable the parents and lawful guardian of the child to consider whether such child should view such a film, and shall not be enforced by any person other than the parents or lawful guardian of the child;
(ii) sanction the film for public exhibition restricted to adults;
(iii) sanction the film for public exhibition restricted to members of any profession or any class of persons having regard to the nature, content and theme of the film;
(iv) direct the applicant to carry out such excisions or modifications in the film as it may deem necessary before sanctioning the film for public exhibition under clauses (i), (ii) and (iii); or
(v) refuse to sanction the film for public exhibition:
Provided that no action under this section shall be taken by the Board, unless the applicant has been given an opportunity of being heard in the matter.
(3) Any person desiring to exhibit on television or such other media as may be prescribed, any film which has been sanctioned by the Board under clause (ii) or clause (iii) of sub-section (2), may make an application to the Board in such form and manner as may be prescribed, and the Board may, for this purpose, sanction the film with a separate certificate, after directing the applicant to carry out such excisions or modifications in the film as it may think fit.]



1. Subs. by Act 12 of 2023, s. 5, for section 4 (w.e.f. 11-8-2023).

Section 5. Advisory panels.

(1) For the purpose of enabling the Board to efficiently discharge its functions under this Act, the Central Government may establish at such regional centers as it thinks fit, advisory panels each of which shall consist of such number of persons, being persons qualified in the opinion of the Central Government to judge the effect of films on the public, as the Central Government may think fit to appoint thereto.

(2) At each regional center there shall be as many regional officers as the Central Government may think fit to appoint, and rules made in this behalf may provide for the association of regional officers in the examination of films.
(3) The Board may consult in such manner as may be prescribed, any advisory panel in respect of any film for which an application for a certificate has been made.
(4) It shall be the duty of every such advisory panel whether acting as a body or in committees as may be provided in the rules made in this behalf to examine the film and to make such recommendations to the Board as it thinks fit.
(5) The members of the advisory panel shall not be entitled to any salary but shall receive such fees or allowances as may be prescribed.


Section 5A. Certification of films.

1[(1) If, after examining a film or having it examined in the prescribed manner, the Board considers that--

(a) the film is suitable for unrestricted public exhibition, or, as the case may be, for unrestricted public exhibition with an endorsement of the nature mentioned in the proviso to clause (i) of sub-section (1) of section 4, it shall grant to the person applying for a certificate in respect of the film a "U" certificate or, as the case may be, a "UA" certificate; or
(b) the film is not suitable for unrestricted public exhibition, but is suitable for public exhibition restricted to adults or, as the case may be, is suitable for public exhibition restricted to members of any profession or any class of persons, it shall grant to the person applying for a certificate in respect of the film an "A" certificate or, as the case may be, a "S" certificate,
and cause the film to be so marked in the prescribed manner:
Provided that the applicant for the certificate, any distributor or exhibitor or any other person to whom the rights in the film have passed shall not be liable for punishment under any law relating to obscenity in respect of any matter contained in the film for which certificate has been granted under clause (a) or clause (b).]
(2) A certificate granted or an order refusing to grant a certificate in respect of any film shall be published in the Gazette of India.
(3) Subject to the other provisions contained in this Act, a certificate granted by the Board under this section shall be valid throughout India for a period of ten years.


1. Subs. by s. 5, ibid., for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).

Section 5B. Principles of guidance in certifying films.

(1) A film shall not be certified for public exhibition if, in the opinion of the authority competent to grant the certificate, the film or any part of it is against the interests of 1[the sovereignty and integrity of India] the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or involves defamation or contempt of court or is likely to incite the commission of any offence.

(2) Subject to the provisions contained in sub-section (1), the Central Government may issue such directions as it may think fit setting out the principles which shall guide the authority competent to grant certificates under this Act in sanctioning films for public exhibition.


1 Ins. by s. 6, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).

Year Description Hindi Description Files(Eng) Files(Hindi)
06-12-1991 Guidelines for Certification of Films for Public Exhibition
15-09-1997 Amendment in the Notification regarding Guidelines for Certification of Films for Public Exhibition published vide S.O. 836(E) dated 06.12.1991
Section 5C. Appeals.

1[5C. Appeals.--(1) Any person applying for a certificate in respect of a film who is aggrieved by any order of the Board--

(a) refusing to grant a certificate; or
(b) granting only an A certificate; or
(c) granting only a S certificate; or
(d) granting only a UA certificate; or
(e) directing the applicant to carry out any excisions or modifications, may, within thirty days from the date of such order, prefer an appeal to the 2[High Court]:
Provided that the 2[High Court] may, if it is satisfied that the appellant was prevented by sufficient cause from filing the appeal within the aforesaid period of thirty days, allow such appeal to be admitted within a further period of thirty days.
3*****


1. Subs. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 7, for section 5C (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
2. Subs. by Act 33 of 2021, s. 9, for "Tribunal" (w.e.f. 4-4-2021).
3. Sub-section (2) omitted by s. 9, ibid. (w.e.f. 4-4-2021).

Section 5D. Constitution of Appellate Tribunal.

1[5D. Constitution of Appellate Tribunal.--(1) For the purpose of hearing appeals against any order of the Board under section 5C, the Central Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute an Appellate Tribunal.

(2) The head office of the Tribunal shall be at New Delhi or at such other place as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify.
(3) Such Tribunal shall consist of a Chairman and not more than four other members appointed by the Central Government.
(4) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as the Chairman of the Tribunal unless he is a retired Judge of a High Court, or is a person who is qualified to be a Judge of a High Court.
(5) The Central Government may appoint such persons who, in its opinion, are qualified to judge the effect of films on the public, to be members of the Tribunal.
(6) The Chairman of the Tribunal shall receive such salary and allowances as may be determined by the Central Government and the members shall receive such allowances or fees as may be prescribed.
(7) Subject to such rules as may be made in this behalf, the Central Government may appoint a Secretary and such other employees as it may think necessary for the efficient performance of the functions of the Tribunal under this Act.
(8) The Secretary to, and other employees of, the Tribunal shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be prescribed after consultation with the Chairman of the Tribunal.
(9) The other terms and conditions of service of the Chairman and members of, and the Secretary to, and other employees of, the Tribunal shall be such as may be prescribed.
(10) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Tribunal may regulate its own procedure.
(11) The Tribunal may, after making such inquiry into the matter as it considers necessary, and after giving the appellant and the Board an opportunity of being heard in the matter, make such order in relation to a film as it thinks fit and the Board shall dispose of the matter in conformity with such order.]


1. Ins. by s. 8, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).

Section 5E. Suspension and revocation of certificate.

1[5E. Suspension and revocation of certificate.--(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (2) of section 6, the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, suspend a certificate granted under this Part, for such period as it thinks fit or may revoke such certificate if it is satisfied that--

(i) the film in respect of which the certificate was granted, was being exhibited in a form other than the one in which it was certified; or
(ii) the film or any part thereof is being exhibited in contravention of the provisions of this Part or the rules made thereunder.
(2) Where a notification under sub-section (1) has been published, the Central Government may require the applicant for certificate or any other person to whom the rights in the film have passed, or both, to deliver up the certificate and all duplicate certificates, if any, granted in respect of the film to the Board or to any person or authority specified in the said notification.
(3) No action under this section shall be taken except after giving an opportunity to the person concerned for representing his views in the matter.
(4) During the period in which a certificate remains suspended under this section, the film shall be deemed to be an uncertified film.]


1. Ins. by s. 8, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).

Section 5F. Review of orders by Central Government.

1[5F. Review of orders by Central Government.--(1) Where an applicant for a certificate or any other person to whom the rights in the film have passed, is aggrieved by any order of the Central Government under section 5E, he may, within sixty days of the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette, make an application to the Central Government for review of the order, setting out in such application the grounds on which he considers such review to be necessary:

Provided that the Central Government may, if it is satisfied that the applicant for a certificate or that other person was prevented by sufficient cause from filing an application for review within the aforesaid period of sixty days, allow such application to be filed within a further period of sixty days.
(2) On receipt of the application under sub-section (1), the Central Government may, after giving the aggrieved person a reasonable opportunity of being heard, and after making such further inquiry, as it may consider necessary, pass such order as it thinks fit, confirming, modifying or reversing its decision and the Board shall dispose of the matter in conformity with such order.]


1. Ins. by s. 8, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).

Section 6. Revisonal powers of the Central Government.

6. Revisional powers of the Central Government.--2*** (2) 2[Subject to the provisions of this Act], the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that--

(a) a film which has been granted a certificate shall be deemed to be an uncertified film in the whole or any part of India; or.
(b) a film which has been granted a "U" certificate 3]or a 4[ ‘"UA" Certificate with any UA marker] or a "S" certificate] shall be deemed to be a film in respect of which an "A" certificate has been granted; or
(c) the exhibition of any film be suspended for such period as may be specified in the direction: Provided that no direction issued under clause (c) shall remain in force for more than two months from the date of the notification.
(3) No action shall be taken under clause (a) or clause (b) of sub-section (2) except after giving an opportunity to the person concerned for representing his views in the matter.
(4) During the period in which a film remains suspended under clause (c) of sub-section (2), the film shall be deemed to be an uncertified film.]



1. Sub-section (1) omitted by Act 12 of 2023, s. 7 (w.e.f. 11-8-2023).
2. Subs. by s. 7, ibid., for "Without prejudice to the powers conferred on it under sub-section (1)" (w.e.f. 11-8-2023).
3. Subs. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 9, for "may at any stage" (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
4. Subs. by Act 12 of 2023, s. 2, for ‘ "UA" certificate’ (w.e.f. 11-8-2023).


Section 6A. Information and documents to be given to distributors and exhibitors with respect to certified films.

1[6A. Information and documents to be given to distributors and exhibitors with respect to certified films.--Any person who delivers any certified film to any distributor or exhibitor shall, in such manner as may be prescribed, notify to the distributor or exhibitor, as the case may be, the title, the length of the film, the number and the nature of the certificate granted in respect thereof and the conditions, if any, subject to which it has been so granted, and any other particulars respecting the film which may be prescribed.]



1. Ins. by Act 19 of 1953, s. 3 (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).

Section 6B. [Omitted.].

[Offences to be cognizable]--Omitted by the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 1984 s. 2 (w.e.f. 27-8-1984).


Section 7. Penalties for contraventions of this Part.

1[(1) If any person--

(a) without lawful authority (the burden of proving which shall be on such person) alters or tampers in any way any film after it has been certified, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine which shall not be less than ten lakh rupees, or with both;
(b) exhibits or permits to be exhibited in any place, any
(i) which has not been certified by the Board;
(ii) which, when exhibited does not display the prescribed mark of the Board;
(iii) which, when exhibited displays a mark of the Board which has since been altered or tampered with, after the mark has been affixed, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine which may extend to ten lakh rupees, or with both and in the case of a continuing offence with a further fine which may extend to one lakh rupees for each day during which the offence continues;
(c) exhibits or permits to be exhibited in any place, a video film in contravention of the provisions of clause (a) or clause (b), he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine which may extend to ten lakh rupees, or with both, and in the case of a continuing offence with a further fine which may extend to one lakh rupees for each day during which the offence continues;
(d) exhibits or permits to be exhibited any film, which has been certified by the Board as "A" within the meaning of this Act to any minor, such person shall be liable to penalty not exceeding ten thousand rupees per person for every such exhibition, levied by the authorised officer in such manner as may be prescribed;
(e) exhibits or permits to be exhibited any film, which has been certified by the Board as "S" within the meaning of this Act, to a person who is not a member of such profession or class, shall be liable to penalty not exceeding ten thousand rupees per person for every such exhibition, levied by the authorised officer in such manner as may be prescribed;
(f) fails to comply with the provisions contained in section 6A or with any order made by the Central Government or by the Board in the exercise of any of the powers or functions conferred on it by this Act or the rules made thereunder, he shall be liable to penalty not exceeding five lakh rupees, levied by the authorised officer and in such manner as may be prescribed:
Provided that notwithstanding anything contained in section 29 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), it shall be lawful for any Metropolitan Magistrate, or any Judicial Magistrate of the First Class specially empowered by the State Government in this behalf, to pass a sentence of fine exceeding five thousand rupees on any person convicted of any offence punishable under this Part under clauses (a) to (c):
Provided further that no distributor or exhibitor or owner or employee of a cinema house shall be liable to punishment for contravention of any condition of endorsement of caution that has been certified as "UA" under this Part.
2[(1A) Save as otherwise provided in section 52 of the Copyright Act, 1957 (14 of 1957), if any person contravenes the provisions of section 6AA or section 6AB, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three months, but may extend to three years and with a fine which shall not be less than three lakh rupees but may extend to five per cent. of the audited gross production cost.
(1B) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section--
(i) a person aggrieved by a contravention under section 6AA or section 6AB shall not be prevented from taking suitable action for an infringement under section 51 of the Copyright Act, 1957 (14 of 1957) or from taking suitable action for computer related offences under section 66 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (21 of 2000) or any other relevant laws for the time being in force;
(ii) the appropriate Government or its agencies shall not be prevented from taking suitable action against an intermediary as defined under clause (w) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (21 of 2000), where such intermediary acts in the manner as set out under sub-section (3) of section 79 of the said Act or any other law for the time being in force.
Explanation.--For the purposes of this sub-section, the expression "appropriate Government" shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in clause (e) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (21 of 2000).]
(2) If any person is convicted of an offence punishable under this section committed by him in respect of any film, the convicting court may further direct that the film shall be forfeited to the Government.
(3) The exhibition of a film, in respect of which an "A" certificate 3[or a "S" certificate or a 4["UA" Certificate with any UA marker]] has been granted, to children below the age of three years accompanying their parents or guardians shall not be deemed to be an offence within the meaning of this section.
5["(4) Whoever aggrieved by any imposed under clauses (d) to (f) of sub-section (1) or section 14, may prefer an appeal to such appellate authority within such period and in such form and manner as may be prescribed.]



1. Subs. by Act 18 of 2023, s. 2 and the Schedule, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 1-9-2023).
2. Ins. by Act 12 of 2023, s. 9 (w.e.f. 11-8-2023).
3. Ins. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 11 (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
4. Subs. by Act 12 of 2023, s. 2, for "UA" certificate (w.e.f. 11-8-2023).
5. Ins. by Act 18 of 2023, s. 2 and the Schedule (w.e.f. 1-9-2023).


Section 7A. Power of seizure.

1[7A. Power of seizure.--(1) Where a film in respect of which no certificate has been granted under this Act is exhibited, or a film certified as suitable for public exhibition restricted to adults is exhibited to any person who is not an adult or a film is exhibited in contravention of any of the other provisions contained in this Act or of any order made by the Central Government 2[, the 3[High Court] ] or the Board in the exercise of any of the powers conferred on it, any police officer may, 4* * * enter any place in which he has reason to believe that the film has been or is being or is likely to be exhibited, search it and seize the film.

(2) All searches under this Act shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the 5[Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974)], relating to searches.]


1. Ins. by Act 3 of 1959, s. 5.
2. Ins. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 12 (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
3. Subs. by Act 33 of 2021, s. 9, for “Tribunal” (w.e.f. 4-4-2021).
4. Certain words omitted by s. 12, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
5. Subs. by s. 12, ibid., for Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898) (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).

Section 7B. Delegation of powers by Board.

1[7B. Delegation of powers by Board.--2[(1)] The Central Government may, by general or special order, direct that any power, authority or jurisdiction exercisable by the Board under this Act shall, 3[in relation to the certification of the films under this Part] and subject to such condition, if any, as may be specified in the order, be exercisable also by the Chairman or any other member of the Board, and anything done or action taken by the Chairman or other member specified in the order shall be deemed to be a thing done or action taken by the Board.

4[(2) The Central Government may, by order and subject to such conditions and restrictions as may be prescribed, authorise the regional officers to issue provisional certificates.]]


1. Ins. by Act 3 of 1959, s. 5.
2 Section 7B re-numbered as sub-section (1) thereof by Act 49 of 1981, s. 13 (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
3 Subs. by s. 13, ibid., for "in relation to such matters" (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
4 Ins. by s. 13, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).

Section 7C. Power to direct exhibition of films for examination.

1[7C. Power to direct exhibition of films for examination. --- For the purpose of exercising any of the powers conferred on it by this Act, the Central Government 2[, the 3[High Court] ]or the Board may require any any film to be exhibited before it or before 4[any person or authority] specified by it in this behalf.]



1. Ins. by s. 8, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
2. Ins. by s. 14, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
3. Subs. by Act 33 of 2021, s. 9, for Tribunal (w.e.f. 4-4-2021).
4. Subs. by s. 14, ibid., for any person (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).

Section 7D. Vacancies, etc., not to invalidate proceeding.

1[7D. Vacancies, etc., not to invalidate proceeding.-- No act or proceeding of 1***, the Board or of any advisory panel shall be deemed to be invalid by reason only of a vacancy in, or any defect in, the constitution of 1*** the Board or panel, as the case may be.]



1. Ins. by s. 8, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
2. The words “the Tribunal” omitted by Act 33 of 2021, s. 9 (w.e.f. 4-4-2021).

Section 7E. Members of the Board and advisory panels to be public servants.

1[7E. Members of the Board and advisory panels to be public servants.-- All members of 2*** the Board and of any advisory panel shall, when acting or purporting to act in pursuance of any of the provisions of this Act, be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).]



1. Ins. by s. 8, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
2. The words “the Tribunal” omitted by Act 33 of 2021, s. 9 (w.e.f. 4-4-2021).

Section 7F. Bar of legal proceedings.

1[7F. Bar of legal proceedings.-- No suit or other legal proceeding shall lie against 2[the Central Government, the 3**** the Board], advisory panel or any officer or member of 4[the Central Government, the Tribunal, the Board or] advisory panel, as the case may be, in respect of anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act.]



1. Ins. by s. 8, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
2. Subs. by s. 17, ibid., for the Central Government, the Board (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
3.The words the Tribunal omitted by Act 33 of 2021, s. 9 (w.e.f. 4-4-2021).
4. Subs. by s. 17, ibid., for the Central Government, Board or (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).

Section 8. Power to make rules.

(1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this Part.

1[(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, rules made under this section may provide for--
(a) the allowances or fees payable to the members of the Board;
(b) the terms and conditions of service of the members of the Board;
2[(c) the form and manner of making an application to the Board for a certificate under sub-section (1) of section 4;
(ca) the manner of examination of film under sub-section (2) of section 4;
(cb) the media for exhibition of film and the form and manner of making an application to the Board in this regard under sub-section (3) of section 4;]
3[(cc) the authorised officer and the manner of levy of penalty by him in terms of clauses (d) to (f) of sub-section (1) of section 7;
(cd) the period, form and manner of preferring appeal and appellate authority under sub-section (4) of section 7;]
(d) the association of regional officers in the examination of films, the conditions and restrictions subject to which regional officers may be authorised under section 7B to issue provisional certificates and the period of validity of such certificates;
(e) the manner in which the Board may consult any advisory panel in respect of any film;
(f) the allowances or fees payable to the members of advisory panel;
(g) the marking of the films;
4** * * *;
(l) the conditions (including conditions relating to the length of films in general or any class of films, in particular) subject to which any certificate may be granted, or the circumstances in which any certificate shall be refused;
(m) any other matter which is required to be or may be prescribed.]
5[(3) Every rule made by the Central Government under this Part shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall, thereafter, have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule.]



1. Subs. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 18, for sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
2. Subs. by Act 12 of 2023, s. 10 for clause (c) (w.e.f. 11-8-2023).
3. Ins. by Act 18 of 2023, s. 2 and the Schedule (w.e.f. 1-9-2023).
4. Clauses (h), (i), (j) and (k) omitted by Act 33 of 2021, s. 9 (w.e.f. 4-4-2021).
5. Subs. by Act 25 of 1973, s. 4, for sub-section (3).


Year Description Hindi Description Files(Eng) Files(Hindi)
01-06-1983 Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983.
28-02-1984 Cinematograph (Certification) (Amendment) Rules, 1984
29-05-1984 Cinematograph (Certification) (Second Amendment) Rules, 1984
03-08-1994 Cinematograph (Certification) ,(Amendment) Rules, 1994
16-11-1994 Cinematograph (Certification) (Third Amendment) Rules, 1994 & Cinematograph (Certification) (Second Amendment) Rules, 1994
08-02-1995 Cinematograph (Certification) (Amendment) Rules, 1995
28-04-1995 Rescinds the Cinematograph (Certification) (Amendment) Rules 1995 published under GSR 121
30-10-1995 Cinematograph (Certification) (2nd Amendment) Rules 1995
30-10-1995 Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983 Substitute Rules 36 and 44
15-12-1995 Cinematograph (Certification) (Third Amendment) Rules, 1995
18-03-1996 Cinematograph (Certification) Amendment Rules, 1996
25-03-1997 Cinematograph. (Certification) (Amendment) Rules, 1997
10-04-1997 Cinematograph (Certification) Second Amendment Rules 1997
12-11-1997 Cinematograph (Certification) (Third Amendment) Rules, 1997
27-01-2017 Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983, Substitute Rule 36
11-04-2017 Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983, Delete sub-rule 6 of Rule 21
Section 9. Power to exempt.

The Central Government may, by order in writing exempt, subject to such conditions and restrictions, if any, as it may impose, the exhibition of any film or class of films from any of the provisions of this Part or of any rules made thereunder.



Section 10. Cinematograph exhibitions to be licensed.

Save as otherwise provided in this Part, no person shall give an exhibition by means of a cinematograph elsewhere than in a place licensed under this Part or otherwise than in compliance with any conditions and restrictions imposed by such licence.



Section 11. Licensing authority.

The authority having power to grant licences under this Part (hereinafter referred to as the licensing authority) shall be the district magistrate:

Provided that the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute, for the whole or any part of a 1[Union territory], such other authority as it may specify in the notification to be the licensing authority for the purposes of this Part.


1. Subs. by Act 58 of 1960, s. 3 and Schedule II, for "Part C State".

Section 12. Restrictions on powers of licensing authority.

(1) The licensing authority shall not grant a licence under this Part, unless it is satisfied that--

(a) the rules made under this Part have been substantially complied with, and
(b) adequate precautions have been taken in the place, in respect of which the licence is to be given, to provide for the safety of persons attending exhibitions therein.
(2) Subject to the foregoing provisions of this section and to the control of the State Government, the licensing authority may grant licences under this Part to such persons as that authority thinks fit and on such terms and conditions and subject to such restrictions as it may determine.
(3) Any person aggrieved by the decision of a licensing authority refusing to grant a licence under this Part may, within such time as may be prescribed, appeal to the State Government or to such officer as the State Government may specify in this behalf and the State Government or the officer, as the case may be, may make such order in the case as it or he thinks fit.
(4) The Central Government may, from time to time, issue directions to licensees generally or to any licensee in particular for the purpose of regulating the exhibition of any film or class of films, so that scientific films, films intended for educational purposes, films dealing with news and current events, documentary films or indigenous films secure an adequate opportunity of being exhibited, and where any such directions have been issued those directions shall be deemed to be additional conditions and restrictions subject to which the licence has been granted.


Section 13. Power of Central Government or local authority to suspend exhibition of films in certain cases.

(1) The Lieutenant-Governor or, as the case may be, the Chief Commissioner, in respect of the 1[whole or any part of a Union territory], and the District Magistrate in respect of the district within his jurisdiction, may, if he is of opinion that any film which is being publicly exhibited is likely to cause a breach of the peace, by order, suspend the exhibition of the film and during such suspension the film shall be deemed to be an uncertified film in the State, part or district, as the case may be.

(2) Where an order under sub-section (1) has been issued by the Chief Commissioner or a District Magistrate, as the case may be, a copy thereof, together with a statement of reasons therefore, shall forthwith be forwarded by the person making the same to the Central Government, and the Central Government may either confirm or discharge the order.
(3) An order made under this section shall remain in force for a period of two months from the date thereof, but the Central Government may, if it is of opinion that the order should continue in force, direct that the period of suspension shall be extended by such further period as it thinks fit.


1. Subs. by Act 58 of 1960, s. 3 and Schedule II, for "whole Part C State or any part thereof".

Section 14. Penalties for contravention of this Part.

If the owner or person in charge of a cinematograph uses the same or allows it to be used, or if the owner or occupier of any place permits that place to be used in contravention of the provisions of this Part or of the rule made thereunder, or of the conditions and restrictions upon or subject to which any licence has been granted under this Part, he shall be 1[liable to penalty of one lakh rupees and, in the case of a continuing contravention, with a further penalty which may extend to ten thousand rupees for each day during which the contravention continues.]



1. Subs. by Act 18 of 2023, s. 2 and the Schedule for the certain words (w.e.f. 1-9-2023).

Section 15. Power to revoke or suspend licence.

1[15. Power to revoke or suspend licence.--(1) Where the holder of a licence has been convicted of an offence under clauses (a) to (c) of sub-section (1) of section 7, the licence may be revoked by the licensing authority.

(2) Where the holder of a licence has been imposed penalty for contravention under clauses (d) to (f) of sub-section (1) of section 7 or section 14, the licence may be suspended by the licensing authority for a period not exceeding thirty days:
Provided that in cases of more than three contraventions over a period of three years, the licensing authority, may, for the reasons to be recorded in writing, by order, revoke the licence:
Provided further that no order under this section shall be made without giving the holder of the licence a reasonable opportunity of being heard.]


1. Subs. by s. 2 and the Schedule, ibid., for section 15 (w.e.f. 1-9-2023).

Section 16. Power to make rules.

1[(1)] The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules--

(a) prescribing the terms, conditions and restrictions, if any, subject to which licences may be granted under this Part;
(b) providing for the regulation of cinematograph exhibitions for securing the public safety;
(c) prescribing the time within which and the conditions subject to which an appeal under sub-section (3) of section 12 may be preferred.
2[(2) Every rule made by the Central Government under this Part shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule.]


1. Section 16 re-numbered as sub-section (1) thereof by Act 49 of 1981, s. 19 (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).
2. Ins. by s. 19, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-6-1983).

Section 17. Power to exempt.

The Central Government may, by order in writing exempt, subject to such conditions and restrictions as it may impose, any cinematograph exhibition or class of cinematograph exhibitions from any of the provisions of this Part or of any rules made thereunder.



Section 18. Repeal.

The Cinematograph Act, 1918 (2 of 1918) is hereby repealed:

Provided that in relation to Part A States and Part B States the repeal shall have effect only in so far as the said Act relates to the sanctioning of cinematograph films for exhibition.


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