MUMBAI: The ministry of Information & Broadcasting is in the process of reviewing the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
The minister of state for external affairs and I&B Anand Sharma said that the I&B ministry is in the process of having consultation with concerned Ministries on the draft.
The existing provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the Rules and Guidelines prescribe the procedure for certifying films by Examining Committee consisting of an officer and members of the advisory panel having persons from all walks of life.
This procedure also include provisions for obtaining expert opinion, if so recommended by the Committee, after the examination of the film, relating to defence or foreign relations or any particular religion or law or medicine or any other subject, should be sought before the final report is submitted.
The chairman may after taking into consideration the circumstances of the case specify a time limit for obtaining the expert opinion and for the submission of the final report of the Examining Committee thereafter under Rule 41(4)(c) of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983.
Sharma informed that the review was not specifically aimed at amending the Act in view of increasing number of protests against the screening of films duly certified by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
