India Putting Further Grip On Film Censorship

NEW DELHI – Not just ascene or song but lyrics, trailers,posters and pretty much anyaudio-visual content that isassociated with a film is likely tocome under the scrutiny of theCensor Board, according to therecommendations of theJustice Mudgal committeereport. The report, which wastasked with suggesting changesin the Cinematography Act1952, has also suggested stringentpenalty for piracy punishableby a fine – between Rs 5lakh and Rs 25 lakh – and aprison term that can extendfrom one to three years.Penalty for screening a film foran unsuitable audience forinstance, showing a film certifiedas `adult’ to a child below15 years will invite a jail term ofone to three years and a fine ofRs 1 lakh that may extend uptoRs 3 lakh. The provision doesnot apply if the child is accompaniedby an adult guardian orparents, according to the draftCinematography Act.The recommendations – underexamination by the informationand broadcasting (I&B) ministry- have argued that definitionof film should not be limitedto visual content and dialoguesbut also songs and lyricsof the number and should bewithin the ambit of the CentralBoard for Film Certification(CBFC) for scrutiny. TheCommittee has recommendedthat once cleared by the Board,people associated with the filmshould not be liable for prosecutionin a criminal court oncharges of obscenity, outrage ofmodesty in the movie. It hassuggested that trailers, promotionalclips, posters and othermaterial should be certified bythe Board or through industryassociations.The draft Act has for the firsttime introduced age-based certification,including unrestrictedviewing (U) for persons whohave completed 12 years, forpersons who have completed15 years restricted to adults (A)and those films that are restrictedto members of any professionwith regard to nature, contentor theme of the film (S).