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Abstract:
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In India, film censorship originated with Cinematograph Act 1918 empowering
the Provincial Governments to establish censorial authorities. In 1949, an
amendment provided for a Central Board of Film Censors. In 1952, a new
legislation gave the Central Government enormous powers, making the Board
to function as a department of the Central Government. The Government had
control over the Board with the mechanism of issuing 'directions' to the censors
and laying down censorship rules. The legislation did not provide any objective
criteria for censoring films. The 1959 amendment, aimed at curing this defect,
only incorporated the grounds contained in Article 19(2) of the Constitution. Even
after expert studies and a significant decision by the Supreme Court, pointing
out the inadequacy of the existing system, and governmental attempts to bring
reforms by way of fresh directions, appointment of appellate authority and framing
of new rules, the system still warrants radical change. The thesis explores them. |