State governments have no authority to suspend screening of films,even if it fears a law and order situation,and only the Centre can take such a decision,according to the Justice Mukul Mudgal Committee. The committee,which was set up to examine issues of film certification under the Cinematograph Act 1952 following the controversy over Vishwaroopam,has said the constitutional and legislative framework as regards cinema is within the domain of central govemment and it ought to be the sole repository of legislative power and executive action as regards the exhibition of films in this country. It has said that the row over screening films like Vishwaroopam and Madras Cafe in Tamil Nadu and Sadda Haq in Punjab was unwarrranted.The committee has recommended the inclusion of a statutory provision in the legislation to provide that the screening of a film which has been certified is not suspended. However,if there is a law and order situation after the screening,the central government can,either suo motu or after a representation from the state government,take a call on suspension of screening after having heard the producers. Such an order should be passed only after a film has been publicly screened and not before its release,the panel has said. The committee has also suggested stringent punishment for piracy-related offences. It said the Act recommended an entire new chapter on offences and penalties,with fines ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh,and imprisonment of up to three years.
