Cabinet okays penal provisions against film piracy

The Centre on Wednesday approved amendments in the Cinematograph Act, 1952, to introduce penal provisions against unauthorized camcording and digital duplication of films to deal with the menace of piracy.

The proposed amendments, approved by the Union Cabinet at its meeting presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, provides for handing down a maximum three years imprisonment to the convicts of film piracy, and/or slapping of a fine which may extend up to Rs 10 lakh.

The information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry had proposed amendments to the Act for the introduction of penal provisions to check film piracy.

The ministry's another proposal for broadcasting infrastructure and network development scheme, to be implemented under the Prasar Bharati, also got the government's approval.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the prime minister, approved the scheme for its implementation at a cost of Rs 1054.52 crore.