Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023 Strengthens Anti-Piracy Framework; Offenders Face Up to 3 Years Imprisonment and Fine up to 5% of Production Cost

• First substantive amendment to the Cinematograph Act, 1952 in ~40 years (last major: 1984), enacted as Act No. 12 of 2023, assented 4 August 2023.
• Creates a statutory anti-piracy regime (Sections 6AA, 6AB, 7(1A), 7(1B)), introduces age-based certification categories (UA 7+/13+/16+), and grants perpetual validity to CBFC certificates.
• Tackles industry losses estimated at ₹20,000 crore p.a. from piracy.