A new committee led by the District Magistrate will now oversee licenses under the Cinematograph Act, 1952—marking a move toward a more transparent, civil-driven process.
BY PC Bureau
In a significant step toward liberalizing Delhi’s licensing ecosystem and cutting through red tape, Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has transferred the authority to grant licenses for cinema halls and theatres from Delhi Police to the Revenue Department of the Delhi Government.
This shift, aimed at enhancing ease of doing business in the capital, will now place the responsibility of issuing licenses under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, with a district-level Committee headed by the concerned District Magistrate or Deputy Commissioner.
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The revamped Licensing Committee will comprise:
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The Deputy Commissioner of the respective MCD zone
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A structural engineering/building expert nominated by the PWD Secretary
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A fire safety expert from Delhi Fire Service
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An electrical systems expert nominated by the Power Secretary
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A representative from the District Disaster Management Authority
The move comes on the heels of a wider licensing reform in which seven business categories—including swimming pools, hotels, eateries, and discotheques—were brought under the purview of civil authorities, easing the burden of police clearances.
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LG Saxena has also directed the Delhi Police Commissioner to ensure that officers no longer handle cinema licensing matters under the Cinematograph Act with immediate effect.
The decision marks another stride in Delhi’s push for a business-friendly governance model, where entrepreneurs and establishments can operate with fewer bureaucratic hurdles and more transparent oversight.
