The Centre has recently amended the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, to prohibit channels from showing visuals of animal cruelty, reported the Economic Times. The move came after many TV channels aired visuals of recent incidents of animal cruelty where puppies were burnt alive in Hyderabad and a dog was thrown off the terrace of a building in Chennai.
Channels that will flout the norm will face a fine and criminal action. The rule will also apply to films shown on television.
The Animal Welfare Board Of India has asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to make obtaining a No-objection Certificate from it mandatory – for both domestic and foreign filmmakers – before a movie is allowed to be screened in India. The NoC will ascertain that no animal was harmed during the making of the film. The Shyam Benegal-led Committee set up to revamp the Central Board of Film Certification has asked for time before it gives its recommendations on the new rule.
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