Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 decriminalized

Source: The post is based on the article “Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 decriminalized” published in “PIB” on 6th October 2023

What is the News?

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has notified amendments in the Cable Television Networks Rules,1994.

These amendments operationalize the implementation of the decriminalized provisions of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.

What is the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act,1995?

Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 is an act to regulate the operation of cable television networks in the country and for matters connected

Section 16 of the Act dealt with the punishment for contraventions under any of its provisions. 

This section had provision for imprisonment which might extend up to 2 years, in case of first instance, and 5 years for every subsequent offence.

What are the changes made to the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act,1995?

Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act,1995 has now been decriminalized  through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provision) Act, 2023. 

The imprisonment provisions have been now replaced with monetary penalty and other non-monetary measures like Advisory, Warning and Censure. 

These measures will be enforced through the “designated officer”.Moreover, Section 16 now introduces an appeal mechanism against the order made by designated officers. 

What are the benefits of decriminalization of provisions under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995?

It promotes compliance by focusing on education and offering a range of penalties like advisory, censure and warnings.

The appointment of a “designated officer” simplifies enforcement, reducing the burden on the criminal justice system.

An appeal mechanism ensures fairness and transparency, and definitions for industry terms enhance consistency.