Section 13 of The Cinematograph Act, 1952
- (1)The Lieutenant-Governor or, as the case may be, the Chief Commissioner, in respect of the 1[whole or any part of a Union territory], and the District Magistrate in respect of the district within his jurisdiction, may, if he is of opinion that any film which is being publicly exhibited is likely to cause a breach of the peace, by order, suspend the exhibition of the film and during such suspension the film shall be deemed to be an uncertified film in the State, part or district, as the case may be.
- (2)Where an order under sub-section (1) has been issued by the Chief Commissioner or a District Magistrate, as the case may be, a copy thereof, together with a statement of reasons therefore, shall forthwith be forwarded by the person making the same to the Central Government, and the Central Government may either confirm or discharge the order.
- (3)An order made under this section shall remain in force for a period of two months from the date thereof, but the Central Government may, if it is of opinion that the order should continue in force, direct that the period of suspension shall be extended by such further period as it thinks fit.
Summary
- Local officials like the District Magistrate can stop a film from being shown if they believe it will cause public violence.
- While the film is stopped, it is treated legally as an uncertified film in that specific area.
- The official must immediately send a copy of their order and their reasons to the Central Government.
- The Central Government has the power to either approve or cancel the local official's order.
- An order to stop the film lasts for two months, but the Central Government can extend this time if needed.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. How long can a local official stop a movie from playing?
The local official's order lasts for two months, unless the Central Government decides to extend it.
2. Who exactly has the power to issue these local orders?
The Lieutenant Governor or Chief Commissioner can do it for a Union territory, and a District Magistrate can do it for their specific district.
3. Does the local official have the final say?
No, they must send their decision to the Central Government, which can choose to confirm or cancel the order.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 13 of The Cinematograph Act, 1952, what is the initial time limit for an order suspending a film exhibition?
Q2.Under Section 13 of The Cinematograph Act, 1952, what happens to the legal status of a film in the specific district while its exhibition is suspended?
Q3.Under Section 13 of The Cinematograph Act, 1952, who must the District Magistrate notify after making an order to suspend a film?
Q4.Under Section 13 of The Cinematograph Act, 1952, what is the specific condition that allows a local authority to suspend a publicly exhibited film?