Topics Covered: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
Film Certificate Appellate Tribunal (FCAT):
Context:
The government by an ordinance has abolished the Film Certificate Appellate Tribunal (FCAT).
The Tribunals Reforms (Rationalisation And Conditions Of Service) Ordinance, 2021, which came into effect on April 4, amends the Cinematograph Act, 1952 by omitting some sections and replacing the word “Tribunal” with “High Court” in other sections.
About FCAT:
- FCAT was a statutory body constituted by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in 1983, under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
- Its main job was to hear appeals filed under Section 5C of the Cinematograph Act, by applicants for certification aggrieved by the decision of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
- Composition: The tribunal was headed by a chairperson and had four other members, including a Secretary appointed by the Government of India to handle. The Tribunal was headquartered in New Delhi.
Implications of the move:
The abolition means filmmakers will now have to approach the High Court whenever they want to challenge a CBFC certification, or lack of it.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- About CBFC.
- Composition.
- About FCAT.
- Decisions of FCAT.
- About the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
Mains Link:
Discuss the roles and functions of FCAT.
Sources: Indian Express.
