The Cinematograph Act, 1952

 1 

THE CINEMATOGRAPH ACT, 1952
1
 

 

37 of 1952 

 

(21
st
 March, 1952) 

 

An Act to make provision for the certification of cinematograph films for exhibition and 

for regulating exhibitions by means of cinematographs.  

 

Be it enacted by Parliament as follows:- 

 

PART  I 

 

PRELIMINARY 

 

Short title, extent and commencement. 

 

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

(2)  Parts I, II and IV extend to the whole of India
2***

 and Part III Extends to 
3
[the 

Union territories] only. 

(3)  This Act shall come into force on such date
4 
as the Central Government may, by 

notification in the Official Gazette, appoint: 

 

25 of 1973. 

 
5
[Provided that Parts I and II shall come into force in the State of Jammu and Kashmir 

only on such date after the commencement of the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 

1973, as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, 

appoint.] 

 

Definitions. 

 

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

 

(a)  “adult” means a person who has completed his eighteenth year; 

 
1
 For Statement of Objects and Reasons see Gazette of India, 1951 pt II, Sec. 2,p 220. 

This Act has been extended to Dadra and Nagar Haveli by Reg 6 of 1963, s. 2 ans Sch., 

Goa, Daman and Diu by Reg. II of 1963, s. 3 and Sch. 

Part I and II of the Act shall come into force in the State of Jammu and Kashmir (w.e.f. 

1.5.1974) video Notification No. G.S.R 183(E), dated 23.4.1974 
2
 The words “except the State of Jammu and Kashmir” omitted by Act 25 of 1973, s.2 

3
 Subs. by Act 3 of 1959, s.2 for “Part C States”. 

4
 The 28th July, 1952, Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s notification No. S.R.O 

1066, dated the 10th June, 1952, Gazette of India, 1952, pt II, Sec. 3, p.945. 
5
 The proviso added by Act 25 of 1973, s.2



 2 

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;] 

(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; 

(g)  4[“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; 

(h)  “Tribunal” means the Appellate Tribunal constituted under section 5D.] 

Construction of references to any law not in force or any functionary not in existence in the State 

of Jammu and Kashmir 

5
[2A.  Any reference in this Act to any law which is not in force, or any functioning not in 

existence, in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, shall, in relation to that State, be construed as a 

reference to the corresponding law in force, or to the corresponding functionary in existence, in 

that State.] 

PART II 

CERTIFICATION OF FILMS FOR PUBLIC EXHIBITION 

Board of films Censors 

6
[3.  (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 
7
[Board of Film 

Certification] which shall consist of a Chairman and 
8
[not less than twelve and not more than 

twenty-five] other members appointed by the Central Government. 

 

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 49 of 1981, s. 2 ( w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 

5 Ins. by Act 25 of 1973, s.3 

6 Subs by Act 3 of 1959, s.4, for section 3 to 6. 

7 Subs. by Act 49 of 1981, s.3, for “Board of Film Censors” (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 

8. subs. by s.3 ibid., for “not more than nine” (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 



 3 

(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. 

Examination of films 

4.  (1) Any person desiring to exhibit any film shall in the prescribed manner make an 

application to the Board for a certificate in respect thereof, and the Board may, after 

examining or having the film examined in the prescribed manner,- 

(i) sanction the film for unrestricted public exhibition;
1 ***

 

2
[Provided that, having regard to any material in the film, if the Board is of the 

opinion that it is necessary to caution that the question as to whether any child below 

the age of twelve years may be allowed to see such a film should be considered by the 

parents or guardian of such child, the Board may sanction the film for unrestricted 

public exhibition with an endorsement to that effect; or] 

(ii)  sanction the film for public exhibition restricted to adults; or  

3
[(iia) 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; or] 

(iii) 
4
[direct the applicant to carry out such excisions or modifications in the film as it 

thinks necessary before sanctioning the film for public exhibition under any of the 

foregoing clauses; or] 

(iv) refuse to sanction the film for public exhibition. 

(2)  No action under 
5
[the proviso to clause (i), clause (ii), clause (iia), clause (iii) or 

clause (iv)] of sub-section (1) shall be taken by the Board except after giving an 

opportunity to the applicant for representing his views in the matter. 

 

1
 The word “or” omitted by s. 4, ibid. (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 

2 
The proviso added by s. 4 ibid (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 

3
 Ins. by s.4 ibid (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 

4 
Subs. by s. 4, ibid., for clause (iii) (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 

5
 Subs. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 4, for “clause (ii), clause (iii) or clause (iv)” (w.e.f. 

1.6.1983) 



 4 

Advisory panels 

5.  (1)  For the purpose of enabling the Board to efficiently discharge its functions under 

this Act, the Central Government may establish at such regional centres 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 centre 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. 

Certification of films 

     5A.  
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. 

 

1
 Subs. by s. 5, abid, for sub-section (i) (w.e.f. 1.6.1983)



 5 

(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. 

Principles for guidance in certifying films. 

5B.  (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. 

Appeals 

 
2
[5C.  (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 

Tribunal: 

Provided that the Tribunal 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. 

(2)  Every appeal under this section shall be made by a petition in writing and 

shall be accompanied by a brief statement of the reasons for the order 

appealed against where such statement has been furnished to the appellant and 

by such fees, not exceeding rupees one thousand, as may be prescribed.] 

Constitution of Appellate Tribunal. 

 
3
[5D.  (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. 

 1    Ins. by 6, ibid (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 

2.  Subs. by Act 49 of 1981, s 7, for section 5C (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 

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



 6 

(2) The head of 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  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. 

Suspension and revocation of certificate. 

5E.  (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 



 7 

(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. 

Review of orders by Central Government. 

5F. (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.] 

Revisional powers of the Central Government. 

6. (1)  Notwithstanding anything contained in this Part, the Centrral Government 
1
[may, of its own motion, at any stage,] call for the record of any proceeding in 

relation to any film which is pending before, or has been decided by, the Board, 
2
[or, 

as the case may be, decided by the Tribunal (but not including any proceeding in 

respect of any matterr which is pending before the Tribunal) and after such inquiry, 

into the matter as it considers necessary, make such order in relation thereto as it 

thinks fit, and the Board shall dispose of the matter in conformity with such order: 

  1. Subs. by Act 49 of 1981, s.9, for “may at any stage” (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 

2. Ins. by s. 9, ibid (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 



 8 

    Provided that no such order shall be made prejudicially affecting any person 

applying for a certificate or to whom a certificate has been granted, as the case may 

be, except after giving him an opportunity for representing his views in the matter: 

1
[Provided further that nothing in this sub-section shall require the Central 

Government to disclose any fact which it considers to be against public interest to 

disclose.] 

(2)  Without prejudice to the powers conferred on it under sub-section (1), 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 
1
[ or a “UA” certificate or a 

“S” certificaate] shall be deemed to be an uncertified film in the whole or any part 

of India; 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. 

Information and documents to be given to distributors and exhibitors with respect to 

certified films 

3
[6A.  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.] 

3 ****
 

 2 Ins. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 9, (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 

2.
 3ns. by Act 19 of 1953, s. 3 

4Section 6B omitted by Act 56 of 1984, 2. (w.e.f. 27.8.1984) 

1  
. Ins. By ibid (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 



 9 

Penalties for contraventions of this Part. 

7,
 1
[(1) If any person - 

(a)  exhibits or permits to be exhibited in any place - 

(i)  any film other than a film which has been certified by the Board as 

suitable for unrestricted public exhibition or for public exhibition 

restricted to adults 
2
 [or to members of any profession or any class of 

persons] and which, when exhibited, displays the prescribed mark of the 

Board and has not been altered or tampered with in any way since such 

mark was affixed thereto, 

(ii)  any film, which has been certified by the Board as suitable for public 

exhibition restricted to adults, to any person who is not an adult,
3***

 

4
(iia) any film which has been certified by the Board as suitable for public 

exhibition restricted to any profession or class of persons, to a person who is 

not a member of such profession or who is not a member of such class, or] 

(b)  without lawful authority (the burden of proving which shall be on him), 

alters or tampers with in any way any film after it has been certified, or 

(c)  fails to comply with the provision 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, 

     
5
 [he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend 

to three years, or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both, 

and in the case of a continuing offence with a further fine which may extend 

to twenty thousand rupees for each day during which the offence continues: 

Provided that a person who exhibits or permits to be exhibited in any place a video 

film in contravention of the provisions of sub-clause (i) of clause (a) shall be 

punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three months, 

but which may extend to three years and with fine which shall not be less than twenty 

thousand rupees, but which may extend to one lakh rupees, and in the case of a 

continuing offence with a further fine which may extend to twenty thousand rupees 

for each day during which the offence continues: 

Provided further that a court may, for adequate and special reasons to be mentioned 

in the judgement, impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than three 

months, or a fine of less than twenty thousand rupees: 

1. Subs. by s. 4, ibid for the former sub-section (I) 

2. Ins by Act 49 of 1981 s.11 (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 

3. The word “or” omitted by s. 11 ibid (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 

4. Ins. By s.11, ibid (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 

5. 5. Sub by Act 56 of 1984 s.3 for certain words (w.e.f. 27-8-1984) 



 10 

 2 of 1974 

1[
Provided further that notwithstanding anything contained in section 29 of the 

Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, 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: 

2
[Provided also] 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 on a film certified as “UA” under this Part.] 

(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 “UA” certificate] 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. 

Power of seizure. 

 
4
[7A.  (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 
5
[the Tribunal] or the Board in the exercise of any of the powers 

conferred on it, any police officer may 
6***

 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. 

1
. Subs. by s. 3(c) ibid (w.e.f. 27.8.1984) 

2
. Subs. by s. 3(c) ibid (w.e.f. 27.8.1984) 

3
.  Ins. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 11 (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 

4
. Ins. by Act 3 of 1959, s. 5 

5
. Ins. by Act 49 of 1981, s. 12 (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 

6
. Certain words omitted by s. 12, ibid (w.e.f. 1.6.1983)



 11 

 

(2)  All searches under this Act shall be carried out in accordance with the 

provision of the 
1
[Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973]( 2 of 1974.), relating 

to searches. 

Delegation of powers by Board. 

 7B.  
2
[(1)]  The Central Government may, by generral 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 conditions, 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.] 

Power to direct exhibition of films for examination. 

 7C.  For the purpose of exercising any of the powers conferred on it by this Act, 

the Central Government 
5
[the Tribunal] or the Board may require any film to be exhibited 

before it or before
 6
[any person or authority] specified by it in this behalf. 

Vacancies, etc., not to invalidate proceeding. 

 7D.  No act or proceeding of 
7
[the Tribunal] 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 [the Tribunal], the Board or panel, as the case may be. 

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

 7E.  All members of  
8
[the Tribunal] 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. 

1
. Sub. by s. 12 ibid., for “Code of Criminal Procedure, 1998” (w.e.f. 1.6.1983). 

2
 Renumbered as sub-section (1) by 13, ibid (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) 

5
 Ins by s. 14, ibid (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 

6
 Subs. by s. 14, ibid for “any person” (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 

7
 Ins by s. 15, ibid (w.e.f 1.6.1983) 

8
 Ins. by s. 16, ibid (w.e.f. 1.6.1983)



 12 

Bar of legal proceedings. 

 7F.  No suit or other legal proceedings shall lie against 
1
[the Central Government, the 

Tribunal, the Board], advisory panel or any officer or member of [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.] 

Power to make rules. 

8.  (1)  The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules 

for the purpose of carrying into effect the provision of this Part. 

2
[(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; 

(c) the manner of making an application to the Board for a certificate and the manner in 

which a film has to be examined by the Board and the fees to be levied therfor; 

(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; 

(h)  the allowances or fees payable to the members of the Tribunal; 

(i)  the powers and duties of the Secretary to, and other employees of, the Tribunal; 

(j)  the other terms and conditions of service of the Chairman and members of, and the 

Secretary to, and other employees of, the Tribunal; 

(k)  the fees payable by the appellant to the Tribunal in respect of an appeal; 

(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.] 

 

1 Subs. by s. 17, ibid, for “the Central Govt. the Board” (w.e.f. 1.6.1983) 

2 Subs. by s. 18, ibid, for the sub-section (2) (w.e.f. 1.6.1983)



 13 

 

1
[(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 modifications 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.] 

Power to exempt. 

9.  The Central Government may, by order in writing exempt, 
2
 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. 

PART III 

REGULATION OF EXHIBITION BY MEANS OF CINEMATOGRAPHS 

Cinematograph exhibitions to be licensed. 

10. 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. 

Licensing authority. 

11. 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 
3
[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 25 of 1973, s. 4, for the former sub-section 

2
 For such general exemption see Gazette of India, 1952, Pt. II, sec. 3 pp. 1578-1581 

3 
Subs. by Act 58 of 1960, s. 3 and sec. II, fro “Part C State”. 



 14 

Restrictions on powers of licensing authority. 

12. (1)  The licensing authority shall not grant a license 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. 

Power of Central Government or local authority to suspend exhibition of films in certain 

cases. 

13.(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. 

1 Subs. by Act 58 of 1960, s. 3 and sec. II for “whole Part C State of any part thereof”. 



 15 

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. 

Penalties for contravention of this Part. 

14. 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 rules made 

thereunder, or of the conditions and restrictions upon or subject to which any 

licence has been granted under this Part, he shall be punishable with fine 

which may extend to one thousand rupees and, in the case of a continuing 

offence, with a further fine which may extend to one hundred rupees for each 

day during which the offence continues. 

Power to revoke licence. 

15. Where the holder of a licence has been convicted of an offence under section 

7 or section 14, the licence may be revoked by the licensing authority. 

Power to make rules. 

16. 
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
 Renumbered as sub-section (i) by Act 49 of 1981, s. 19 (w.e.f. 1.6.1983). 

2
 Ins by Act 49 of 1981, s. 19 (w.e.f 1.6.1983)



 16 

Power to exempt. 

17. The Central Government may by order in writing exempt, 
1
 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. 

PART IV 

REPEAL 

Repeal. 

2 of 1918 

18. The Cinematograph Act, 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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 
For such General exemptions, see Gazette of India, 1954, Pt. II sec. 3, p. 

240, Gazette of India, 1955, pt II. 3, p. 310