Section 2 — Definitions.

2. Definitions. – In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires –  

  (1) “Competent Authority” means -  

(a)  in relation to the entire Union territory of  Puducherry the 
District Magistrate, and  

(b)  in relation to Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam the Administrator of 
the respective region.  

  (2) “Objectionable performance” means any play, pantomime or other 
drama which is likely to --  

(i)  incite any person to resort to violence or sabotage for the 
purpose of overthrowing or undermining the Government 
established by law in India or in any State thereof or its 
authority in any area; or  

 
 
  + This Act came into force w.e.f  19.05.1965.  

 
 



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(ii)  incite any person to commit murder, sabotage or any offence 
involving violence; or  

(iii)  seduce any member of any of the armed forces of the Union or 
of the Police Forces from his allegiance or his duty, or prejudice 
the recruiting of persons to serve in any such force or prejudice 
the discipline of any such force; or  

(iv)  incite any section of the citizens of India to acts of violence 
against any other section of the citizens of India; or which --  

(v)  is deliberately intended to outrage the religious feelings of any 
class of the citizens of India by insulting  or blaspheming or 
profaning the religion or the religious beliefs of that class; or  

(vi) is grossly indecent, or is scurrilous or obscene or intended for 
blackmail;   

  Explanation I. --- A performance shall not be deemed to be objectionable 
merely because in the course thereof words are signs uttered or  visible 
representations are made, expressing disapprobation or criticism of any law or of 
any policy or administrative action of the Government with a view to obtain its 
alteration or redress by lawful means.  

  Explanation II. --- In judging whether any performance is an objectionable 
performance, the play, pantomime or other drama shall be considered as a whole.  

  (3) “public place” means any building or enclosure, or any place in the 
open air and any pandal where the sides are not enclosed to which the public are 
admitted to witness a performance;  

  (4) “State Government” means the Administrator appointed under Article 
239 of the Constitution.