Cabinet Approves Amendment to Cinematograph Act to Combat Piracy

Film piracy will attract strict penalties of up to Rs 10 lakh and imprisonment.

The Cabinet has approved amendments to the Cinematograph Act to penalize film piracy.

(Photo: The Quint)

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday, 6 February, approved amendments to the Cinematograph Act for imposing strict penalties to combat the menace of film piracy.

To check piracy, particularly the release of pirated versions of films on the internet, which causes huge losses to the film industry and the exchequer, the government has proposed to make film piracy offences punishable with imprisonment of up to three years and fines that may extend to Rs 10 lakh or both.

The proposed amendment states that any person, who without the written authorisation of the copyright owner, uses any recording device to make or transmit a copy of a film, or attempts to do so, or abet the making or transmission of such a copy, will be liable for such a punishment.

The Cabinet approved the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's proposal to introduce the Cinematograph Amendment Bill, 2019, which aims to tackle films piracy by including the penal provisions for unauthorised camcording and duplication of films.

The proposed amendments would increase industry revenues, boost job creation, fulfil important objectives of India's National Intellectual Property policy and will give relief against piracy and infringing content online, an official statement said.