Govt transfers cinema hall licensing power from police to Revenue Dept

The Delhi Government on Saturday announced another major reform towards ease of doing business, transferring the responsibility of issuing licences for theatres and cinema halls from the Delhi Police to the Revenue Department.

In an order dated July 25, issued by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, a committee headed by the District Magistrate or District Collector will have the authority to grant licences under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.

The move is aimed at liberalising the licensing regime and promoting ease of doing business in Delhi, the order mentioned.

The licensing committee will comprise of Deputy Commissioner of the respective MCD Zone, structural engineering or building expert nominated by Secretary (PWD), a fire safety expert nominated by the Chief Fire Officer, Delhi Fire Service, an electrical system expert nominated by the Secretary (Power) and a representative of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) to be nominated by the DM, it further added.

The move follows the Delhi Government’s recent major decision wherein the powers of issuing licenses for seven categories of businesses - swimming pools, eateries, hotels, guest houses, discotheques, video game parlors, amusement parks and auditoriums were transferred from the Delhi Police to the civic authorities.

Moreover, the L-G also issued directions to Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora to direct officials concerned to refrain from dealing with matters related to the grant of licenses under the Cinematograph Act, with immediate effect.

In a statement last month, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had said the reforms were in line with the Centre’s vision of ‘Maximum Governance-Minimum Government’ and ‘Ease of Doing Business’.

The Cinematograph Act - 1952 regulates cinema exhibitions in the country through a licensing system.

Earlier in Delhi, the police used to be responsible for granting these licenses. However, this process was often complicated, requiring multiple clearances, which was frustrating for stakeholders.