NEW DELHI: Parliament has passed the Cinematograph Amendment Bill, which will pave the way for major changes in the film industry. With the amendment's implementation, the central government will be empowered to withdraw the films approved by the Censor Board from the theatres. The amendment also specifies severe punishment for film piracy.

If the film is shot from the screens and propagated, the punishment will be up to three years in prison. A penalty of five per cent of the film's production cost will also be payable. There is also a provision to issue separate certificates for television and OTT. The certificate is given in six categories namely UA 7 plus, UA 16 plus, A and S.

A category and S category should undergo special censoring for screening on OTT and television platforms. Earlier, there were four categories. Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur introduced the bill by amending the Cinematograph Bill of 1952. The Lok Sabha approved the bill passed by the Rajya Sabha on Thursday