The ministry of law and justice of the government of India has abolished the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT), as per a report by filminformation.com. The abolition will be imposed with immediate effect. On 4 April, the ministry promulgated an ordinance, The Tribunals Reforms (Rationalisation And Conditions Of Service) Ordinance, 2021, for the same. The abolition means that producers discontented by the Central Board of Film Certification's (CBFC) decision will now have to approach the high court instead of FCAT to address their grievances.
Reacting to the decision, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj tweeted, "Such a sad day for cinema".
The FCAT constituted vide Section 5D of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 by the ministry of information & broadcasting and its headquarters are in New Delhi. The body hears appeals filed under section 5C of the Cinematograph Act. Under the section, an applicant for a film certificate can file a plea directly before the FCAT.
(With inputs from filminformation.com)
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