The Cinematograph Act, 1952 (Act No. 37 of 1952) is an Act of the Indian Parliament, enacted on March 21, 1952, to provide a legal framework for the certification of films for public exhibition and to regulate their exhibition. Its origin lies in re-enacting the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1918, to separate the sanctioning of films (a Union subject) from the licensing of cinemas (a State subject). The Act's purpose is to ensure films adhere to standards of public order and morality before public viewing.
The Act's core mechanism is the establishment of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) under Section 3, which is responsible for examining films. Section 5B lays down the principles for certification, requiring the CBFC to ensure films do not threaten the sovereignty and integrity of India or violate decency or morality. The CBFC grants certificates in categories like 'U' (Unrestricted), 'A' (Adults Only), and 'S' (Restricted to a specific class of persons). The Act connects to the Copyright Act, 1957, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, particularly concerning digital piracy.
The Act underwent a significant update with the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023 (Act 12 of 2023), which received Presidential assent on August 4, 2023. This amendment introduced perpetual validity for film certificates, replacing the previous 10-year limit. It also sub-divided the 'UA' category into age-specific markers: UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+. Crucially, the amendment introduced anti-piracy provisions, Section 6AA and Section 6AB, which prohibit unauthorized recording and exhibition. Contravention of these sections is punishable with a minimum of three months imprisonment and a fine of ₹3 lakh, extending up to three years imprisonment and a fine up to 5% of the audited gross production cost. The amendment also deleted the Union government's revisional powers over certified films.