Madhya Pradesh Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1972

S Madhya Pradesh 2025

Company : Sol Infotech Pvt. Ltd. Website : www.courtkutchehry.com Madhya Pradesh Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1972 CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 :- PRELIMINARY 1. Short title and application 2. Definitions CHAPTER 2 :- NO OBJECTION CERTIFICATE 3. Application for No Objection Certificate 4. Licensing authority to invite objections 5. Licensing authority to report to Government 6. Grant and validity of No Objection Certificate CHAPTER 3 :- BUILDING 7. Building rules 8. Structure to be fire-proof 9. Construction 10. Height of tiers 11. Entrance and exit to be on public thoroughfare 12. Exits 13. Seating 14. Gangways 15. Doors 16. Width of corridor, etc 17. Staircases 18. Ventilation 19. Sanitary conveniences 20. Enclosure for the projector 21. Rewinding room 22. Cinema-screen 23. Skylights 24. Lightning conductors CHAPTER 4 :- ELECTRIC INSTALLATION 25. High pressure 26. Sanction of Electrical Engineer or Government to be obtained for all electrical work 27. Inspection and test 28. Main circuits 29. Sub-circuits 30. Control of auditorium lights from stage 31. Control of auditorium lights from enclosure 32. A.C. 3-phase or D.C. 3-phase wire system 33. Sources of supply 34. Auxiliary supply for exit signs 35. Torches 36. Unlicensed premises 37. Gas and water-pipes 38. Dressing-rooms 39. Conductors 40. Insulation 41. Conductors, etc. Special Precautions 42. Joints 43. Conductors-- Fixing and protection 44. Petrol engines 45. Wiring in casing 46. Metallic tubing for mechanical protection 47. Stage lighting 48. Stage switch-board 49. Footlights, etc 50. Enclosure 51. Permissible current and pressure in enclosure 52. Resistance 53. Plug sockets for stage 54. Leads to battens, etc 55. Arc lamps 56. Cut-outs 57. Fittings 58. Switch and fuse-boards 59. Generating plant 60. Boilers, gas engines, etc 61. Accumulators 62. Transforming and converting machinery 63. High voltage 64. Earthing of covers 65. Insulation resistance 66. Motors, etc 67. Plan of wiring 68. Temporary lighting 69. Safety curtain 70. Shock treatment instructions and insulated gloves 71. Miscellaneous 72. Operators CHAPTER 5 :- PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE 73. Tanks 74. Hydrants 75. Fire buckets 76. Chemical extinguishers 77. Fire-extinguishers, etc. for enclosure 78. Exit signs 79. Curtains 80. Special rules for enclosure, etc 81. Cinematograph machine 82. Films, boxes, spools, etc 83. Cloak-rooms 84. Telephone 85. Lighting 86. Firemen CHAPTER 6 :- PERMISSION FOR BUILDING A CINEMA 87. Permission for building 88. Application for permission 89. Application to be accompanied by plans 90. Plans to be approved 91. Permission to build 92. Permission to be valid for two years 93. Modification in plans 94. Additions and alterations 95. Notice of additions and alterations 96. Inspections of construction 97. Power to refuse licence 98. Chapter not applicable to touring cinemas CHAPTER 7 :- CINEMA LICENCE 99. Cinema licence 100. Application for cinema licence 101. Grant of cinema licence 102. Power to refuse licence 103. Death or disability of licensee 104. Duration of licence 105. Renewal of licences 106. Fees 107. Application for renewal to be made within one year CHAPTER 9 :- SUSPENSION AND CANCELLATION OF LICENCES, LIMITATION FOR APPEALS AND APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION 123. Suspension or cancellation of licence 124. Period within which appeals under Section 5 shall be made 125. Power to give directions during epidemic 126. Presentation of application for exemption 127. Repeal and savings Madhya Pradesh Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1972 CHAPTER 1 PRELIMINARY 1. Short title and application :- (1) These rules may be called the Madhya Pradesh Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1972. (2) They shall, save as expressly provided otherwise, apply to and in relation to all Cinemas in the State of Madhya Pradesh. 2. Definitions :- In these rules, unless the context otherwise, requires,-- (a) The Act means the Madhya Pradesh Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1952; (b) "Appropriate Executive Engineer" as respects any existing or proposed cinema means the Executive Engineer having jurisdiction over the area within the limits of which such cinema is erected or, as the case may be, proposed to be erected; (c) "Cinema" means any place wherein an exhibition by means of cinematograph is given; (d) "Enclosure" means a separate room or cabin provided under rule 21 in which cinematograph machine or machines are housed; (e) "Form" means a Form appended to these rules; (f) "Licence" means a licence granted under and in accordance with these rules; (g) "Licensee" or "holder of licence" includes the Manager or Managers nominated under rule 108; (h) "Words and expression" used in the Act, and not defined in these rules shall have the meaning assigned to them in the Act. CHAPTER 2 NO OBJECTION CERTIFICATE 3. Application for No Objection Certificate :- (1) No person under 18 years of age shall be entitled to obtain or hold any licence under these rules. (2) Any person desirous of erecting a cinema or converting existing premises into a cinema shall first make public his intention to do so by exhibition a notice in Form A on a Board on the proposed site in such position that it can be plainly seen from the public thoroughfare upon which the site of such proposed cinema abuts. The notice shall be in Hindi. The notice on the Board shall be maintained on the site until the matter is decided by the licensing authority. The Board shall be at least 11/2 metrex 9.00 metres in size and the notice shall be exhibited thereon in bold and clearly legible letters. (3) Such person shall also give a similar notice in writing to the licensing authority and make an application to the licensing authority for the grant of a No Objection Certificate, specifying therein, whether the application is in respect of a cinema or a touring cinema. The application shall be accompanied by a plan of the proposed site drawn to scale and shall clearly indicate the surrounding roads and buildings which exist up to a distance of 200 metres of the proposed site. Schools, hospitals, temples or other like places shout be clearly indicated in the plan. 4. Licensing authority to invite objections :- On receipt of such notice, the licensing authority shall, at the cost of the applicant, notify the public such intention in such manner by publication in newspapers or otherwise that may deem fit for the purpose of inviting objections. A notification for inviting objections shall be issued by the licensing authority in Form B and shall specify the period within which the objections shall be lodged with it. The licensing authority shall also consult the Executive Engineer and Sub-Divisional Officer concerned in respect of the proposed site. 5. Licensing authority to report to Government :- (1) The licensing authority shall on the expiry of the period for the receipt of the objections submit a report to Government in Form C along with his recommendation whether a No Objection Certificate should be granted or not. (2) Government may, on consideration of the report of the licensing authority, grant permission for the issue of No Objection Certificate to applicant or may refuse to grant the same. Explanation.-- In the case of a touring cinema, previous sanction of the Government to the grant of No Objection Certificate under this rule shall be necessary only in respect of the site where the touring cinema proposes to make its first camp, and in respect of subsequent camping sites the No Objection Certificate shall be granted by licensing authority itself after the procedure laid down in rules 3 and 4 is complied with. 6. Grant and validity of No Objection Certificate :- (1) Without prejudice to the right of the licensing authority to refuse to grant a cinema licence under rules 101 and 102 the licensing authority may, with the previous permission of the Government grant a certificate to the applicant that there is no objection to the location of the cinema at the site notified by the applicant under rule 3. (2) The No Objection Certificate shall be in Form D and shall be valid for a period of two years from the date of issue in the case of permanent cinemas, and six months in the case of touring cinemas. Explanation.-- The licensing authority may, on an application being made to it in this behalf dispense with the procedure in rules 3 and 4 in respect of the camp sites of a touring cinem other than the first cap site, if in respect of such camp sites any touring cinemas has been allowed to camp there on a previous occasion. CHAPTER 3 BUILDING 7. Building rules :- No cinema shall be licensed under these rule unless the cinema confirms to the rules laid down in this Chapter: Provided that rules 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,19 (1), 19 (2), 20, 21, and 22 only shall apply in the case of touring cinemas. 8. Structure to be fire-proof :- (1) Subject to the provisions of sub-rule (3), all cinemas shall be enclosed within proper external or partly walls of bricks, stone or concrete (plan, hollow or reinforced) and the floors, tiers and roof of the auditorium and all parts used by the table shall be constructed of fire-resisting materials: Provided that the following materials may be used for the ceiling, namely:-- Acoustic Celotex; Asbestos Spray, Canoe, Celetex, Heraklith, Insulite Building Board (Termitex), and Insulate Hard Board and Tyuzne, Wexna Insulation Board, Insulwood, Treatax. Acost-Sound Insulation Board, Light Crete Unika Sound Insulating Board and Unitene, Acoustic Tiles, Gypsum Panel Board, Thermocaustic, Thermofriez. (2) In the case o f touring cinemas, the external walls of the auditorium shall be constructed of fire-resisting material. Such cinemas may not have roof over the auditorium. (3) Nothing in sub-rule (1) shall apply to premises duly licensed in any part of the State for use for cinematograph exhibition before coming into force of these rules except the ceiling of such premises, if not made of fire-resisting material, shall be replaced by fire-resisting material. 9. Construction :- (1) No cinema shall be constructed underneath or on the top of any other building. (2) No open space shall be allowed under the floor of the auditorium. (3) The floor, roof, private boxes, balconies, galleries, tiers, partitions, ventilators and every room, lobby, corridor, staircase and passage devoted to the use of the public shall, subject to the provision of the proviso to sub-rule (1) of rule 8, be constructed of fire-resisting materials. No wooden posts shall be allowed for the support of galleries and tiers. (4) No soft wood or other inflammable wall linings, partitions, screens or barriers shall be used in any part of the auditorium and no cavities shall be left behind any linings. (5) The fronts of private boxes and each tier shall be formed of fire-proof materials, except the capping of boxes which may be of wood. (6) Nothing in this rule shall apply to premises duly licensed in any part of the State for use for cinematograph exhibition before the coming into force of these rules: Provided that open spaces under the auditorium and stage in such premises, where they exist, shall not be rented or used as godowns but may be used for storing cinema implements, such as advertisement boards and trollies, if they are properly arranged and taken care of. 10. Height of tiers :- Where the first tier or balcony extends over any part of the auditorium the height between the floor of the auditorium and such tier of balcony shall not be at any part less than 10 feet; the floor of the highest part of such tier or balcony and the lowest part of the ceiling over the same shall not be less than 12 feet. The height between the several tiers shall, in no case, be less than 8 feet: Provided that nothing in this rule shall apply to premises duly licensed in any part of the State for use for cinematograph exhibition before the coming into force of these rules. 11. Entrance and exit to be on public thoroughfare :- Cinema shall have a road frontage on the public thoroughfare upon which the site of such cinema abuts, and in such frontage there shall be suitable means of entrance and exit for the public. In addition entrances and exits shall be reserved for service in case of emergency opening on two separate and distinct passages leading either to the said public thoroughfare or to other suitable thoroughfares and such passages shall not be less than 5 feet in width. 12. Exits :- (1) Two separate exits not opening on the same thoroughfare of public passage shall be provided from the stage and from the auditorium floor and from every tier which accommodates not more than 500 individuals, and where the auditorium floor or any tier accommodates more than 500 individuals, exits shall be provided at the rate of one for every 250 individuals and one for any less number in excess. Each of such exits shall be of not less than 5 feet width between the leaves of the door when open. (2) A common place of egress may serve as the exit for the floor of the auditorium and the first tier, provided its capacity be equal to the aggregate capacity prescribed by sub-rule (1) for the necessary outlets from such floor and tier. (3) For any auditorium floor or any tier which does not accommodate more than 300 individuals, two 4 feet exits may be sufficient. (4) If any auditorium floor or any tier shall be divided into two or more parts, exits as prescribed in sub-rule (1) shall be provided for each such part. (5) The licensee of the cinema shall not prevent the public to leave by any exit door. 13. Seating :- (1) No part of the auditorium shall provide accommodation exclusive of passage, as a higher scale than 20 persons per 100 square feet. (2) All seats in the auditorium, excepting those contained in private boxes shall be firmly secured to the floor. Chairs with folding seats shall be provided wherever required by the licensing authority. Where benches are provided, the benches shall have arms suitably fixed so that each seat is separate. (3) In all cases there shall be an interval of at least one foot between the back of one seat and the front of the seat immediately behind measured between perpendiculars. (4) The distance between the screen and the front row of seats shall not be less than the width of the screen itself. (5) The seats in the auditorium shall be arranged in the manner of an arc, the concave edge of which faces the screen. (6) Nothing in sub-rule (1), sub-rule (2) so far as it relates to benches, sub-rule (3) and sub rule (5) shall apply to premises duly licensed for use for cinematograph exhibition before the coming into force of these rules. (7) Nothing in sub-rules (2), (3), (5) and (6) shall apply to touring cinemas. 14. Gangways :- (1) A clear passage or gangway shall be formed at the sides and down the centre of the seating in every part of the auditorium in such manner that no seat shall be ten or more feet distant from a passage or gangway in the line of seating. The central passage or gangway shall be at lest 4 feet wide and those at the sides shall be at least 3 feet wide each: Provided that nothing in this sub-rule shall apply to premises duly licensed for use for cinematograph exhibition before the coming into force of these rules. (2) Where possible, gradients, or inclined planes shall be used instead of steps but no gradient or inclined plane shall be steeper than 1 in 10. 15. Doors :- (1) All doorways for the use of the public shall be at least four feet six inches wide in the tier. All doors shall open outwards to lie flush with the outside of the wall. (2) Nothing in sub-rule (1) shall apply to touring cinemas and to premises duly licensed for use for cinematograph exhibition before the coming into force of these rules, so long as the minimum space for exits, in accordance with the provisions of rule 12 is provided for in such premises. (3) All doors used by the public may be kept closed but not bolted during a performance or exhibition, provided an attendant is placed in charge of each such door and he shall throw open the door in case of emergency. 16. Width of corridor, etc :- No staircase, landing lobby, corridor or passage, not being an internal passage between rows of seats, intended for use as an exit shall be less than five feet wide and there shall be no recesses or projections in the walls of such passages, gangways, or corridors within 5 feet of the ground: Provided that nothing in this rule shall apply to premises duly licensed in any part of the State for use for cinematograph exhibition before the coming into force of these rules. 17. Staircases :- (1) All staircases shall be constructed entirely of bricks, stone, cement or concrete with fire-resisting roof and ceiling and shall have solid square (as distinguished from spandrill) steps and landings of approved stone or such other fire-resisting material and construction as may be approved by the licensing authority with treads not less than 11 inches wide and with risers of not more than 6 inches high (each lapping at least one inch over the back edge of the steps below it) in flights of not more than 15 or less than 3 steps. (2) The treads and risers of steps on each flight shall be of uniform width and height. (3) The several flights of such steps shall be properly supported and enclosed to the satisfaction o f the licensing authority. (4) No staircase shall have more than two flights of 15 steps without a turn and the width of the landing between such flights shall be at least the same as the width of the staircase. (5) The floors of all landings shall not be less than 6 inches thick. (6) Every staircase forming an exit from an upper gallery or tier of the auditorium shall be enclosed on both sides with walls of bricks or of fire-proof materials in the storeys through which it passes, and no openings shall be made in the auditorium except the one required for exit from the gallery or tier which it serves, provided that staircases leading to the first or lower gallery or tier may be left open on one side, in which case the open side shall be provided by stout handrails and balustrades, but in no case shall staircase be left open on both sides. (7) All enclosed staircases shall, have on both sides, strong handrails firmly secured to the wall by strong metal brackets about three inches clear therefrom and about 3 feet above the stairs but such handrails shall not run on level platform and landings where the same is more in length than the width of the stairs. (8) Where the flight of steps returns upon itself the newel shall be chased so as to allow the handrails to turn without projecting over the landing. (9) Stairs turning at an angle shall have a proper landing without winders being introduced at the turn. (10) There shall be no recesses or projections in the walls of such staircases within 5 feet of the floor and any fittings for lighting shall be at least 6 feet, 8 inches above the steps or landing. (11) Nothing in these rules shall apply to premises duly licensed in any part of the State for use for cinematograph exhibition before the coming into force of these rules. 18. Ventilation :- (1) The area of the window, door and ventilator opening shall not be less than one-fifth of the total floor area and windows and ventilators shall be of such dimensions, in such number and in situation as the Executive Engineer/Sub-divisional Officer concerned shall specify. (2) Mechanical appliances such as exhaust fans shall be used to expel air at the rate of 500 cubic feet or more per person, at least three times in an hour: Provided that the licensing authority, in consultation with the Executive Engineer/Sub- divisional Officer concerned and in consultation with the District Medical Officer of Health having jurisdiction over the area in which the cinema is situated, may relax the condition laid down in this rule regarding the total door and window area, in the case of cinema where exhaust fans have been provided. 19. Sanitary conveniences :- (1) Every cinema shall be provided with sufficient and separate water closer or privy accommodation as also urinal accommodation for the use of the males and females. (2) In the case of cinemas within limits of a municipality, suitable urinal as approved by the municipality at the rate of not less than 2 per cent and latrines at the rate of not less than 1 per cent of the number of individuals to be accommodated in such premises shall be provided in suitable places. Separate accommodation shall be provided for males and females. They shall be so constructed as to cause no nuisance. (3) Where the auditorium consists of more than one floor, latrines and urinals at the above scale shall be provided for each floor: Provided that a minimum of one latrine and one urinal shall be provided on each floor. (4) If in the case of any cinema constructed before the coming into force of these rules, the licensing authority is satisfied that urinals and latrines cannot be conveniently provided at the rates specified in sub-rule (2) or (3), such cinema may provided such scale of urinals and latrines as were prescribed immediately before the coming into force of these rules. (5) Sub-rules (1) and (2) shall be applicable to touring cinemas subject to the conditions that the construction of urinals and latrines shall be of temporary nature and shall be such as may be approved by the Executive Engineer/Sub-divisional Officer concerned and by the District Medical Officer of Health having jurisdiction over the area in which the cinema is situated. 20. Enclosure for the projector :- (1) Subject to sub-rule (3), there shall be provided in each permanent and quasi-permanent cinema an independent permanent enclosure of sufficient dimensions to allow the operator to work freely. The enclosure shall be substantially constructed of fire-resisting material or be lined with such material. (2) The entrance to the enclosure shall be fitted with a closely fitting door of fire-resisting material suitably placed and opening outwards and all openings, bushes and joints shall be so constructed and maintained as to prevent so far as possible, the escape of any smoke into the auditorium. If means of ventilation are provided t h e y shall not be allowed to communicate direct with the auditorium. (3) If a permanent enclosure as required by sub-rule (1) is not available, the cinematograph machine shall be contained in an enclosure formed of a smoke-proof cabin constructed of sheet iron on substantial frame-work and fastened together securely. The cabin shall be of sufficient dimensions to allow the operator to work freely, and the floor shall, if boarded, be covered with asbestos or other fire-resisting materials of sufficient thickness approved by the licensing authority. (4) The enclosure shall be placed outside the cinema building and where such cinema consists to a temporary or quasi-permanent structure the enclosure shall be at a distance of at least three feet from such structure. Where the licensing authority is satisfied that any enclosure is fire-proof and separated from the auditorium by a fire-proof wall or is of opinion that it is impracticable or in the circumstances unnecessary for securing safety that the enclosure should be outside the building or at a distance from the structure, as the case may be he may, by express words in the licence dispense with such requirements: Provided that a space of two feet in width at the sides and in the front of the enclosure, and a space of six feet at the back in which the door is situated shall be kept clear all-round the enclosure. (5) Openings not exceeding three in number shall be permitted, in the front face to the enclosure, the centre one of which must not exceed eight inches square and those in each side six inches square: Provided that where two machines are jointly used, openings not exceeding five in number shall be permitted, viz., two for the projectors, two for the operators and one for fixed slides. (6) The projector openings shall not exceed eight inches square and the others six inches square. (7) Each opening shall be fitted with a screen of fire-resisting material capable of being actuated both from the inside and from outside of the enclosure. (8) The necessary pipes and cables shall enter efficiently bushed openings. 21. Rewinding room :- A separate room of fire-proof construction shall be provided for film rewinding and the room shall not be used for any other purpose except for storing the films not in use (It shall not, however, be necessary to have a separate room for rewinding films with acetate base). 22. Cinema-screen :- The minimum width of the cinema-screen shall be 10 feet. 23. Skylights :- All skylights which may be liable to be broken shall be protected by stout galvanized iron wire guards securely fixed on the outside of such skylights. 24. Lightning conductors :- Lightning conductors shall be provided in each cinema building. CHAPTER 4 ELECTRIC INSTALLATION 25. High pressure :- In these rules the term "High Pressure" shall apply to all voltages above 650 volts. 26. Sanction of Electrical Engineer or Government to be obtained for all electrical work :- Before the installation of electric light or any electrical apparatus and before any alterations or additions to the electric installation are commenced, the sanction of the Electrical Inspector to Government shall be obtained through the licensing authority and for this purpose plans showing the approximate position of lights, fans, and such other fitting and specifications giving full particulars of the proposed work shall be forwarded to the Electrical Inspector to Government to whom complete drawings shall also be sent on completion of the work. After completion, the work shall be passed by the Electrical Inspector or an Assistant Electrical Inspector. 27. Inspection and test :- Where an electric light, fan or other apparatus is installed in a cinema, it shall be on condition that the Electrical Inspector or his Assistant shall certify in writing to the licensing authority once in every twelve months that the system is in proper working order. Inspection and tests may also be made by the Electrical Inspector, from time to time. 28. Main circuits :- All cinemas when lighted by electric light shall have preferable three separate and distinct main circuits and these circuits shall be: (A) for the stage; (B) and (C) for the auditorium, corridors, exits and other parts of the premises open to the public. The circuits (B) and (C) shall be so arranged that the lights in the auditorium, corridors, exits and other parts of the premises open to the public shall be, as far as possible, equally distributed on the two circuits. The two circuits (B) and (C) shall not be combined in one fitting, nor shall the wires or leads for one circuit be placed in the same casing or tube as those of the other circuit. 29. Sub-circuits :- The main circuits A, B and C shall be sub-divided, if necessary and no sub circuits shall be allowed to carry more than 5 amps, in the case of auditorium, corridors, exits and other parts of the premises open to the public or 20 amps, on 230 volts in the case of the stage. Each sub-circuit shall start from a distributing board. (2) The main leads for circuit "A" shall, where possible, be kept entirely on the stage side of the proscenium wall and those for "B" and "C" entirely on the auditorium side of that wall. (3) The lights inside and outside the premises shall be on separate circuits. Circuits for fans, power and cooling purposes shall be kept distinct and separate from lighting circuits. 30. Control of auditorium lights from stage :- If it is desired to control a portion of the lights in the auditorium from the stage switch boards (circuit A) this will be permitted if a sufficient number of lights for safety purposes be maintained on circuits B and C for each portion entirely independent of the stage. The number and position of such lights shall be subject to the approval of the Electrical Inspector. 31. Control of auditorium lights from enclosure :- (1) In the case of cinemas it may be permitted to control a portion of the lights in the auditorium by switches placed in the enclosure, provided these switches are of totally closed metal clad type and associated with fuses of not more than 15 amps, capacity at a pressure not exceeding 230 volts. The number and position of such switches shall be subject to the approval of the Electrical Inspector or his Assistant. (2) Where fluorescent light have been provided, a Thyralux or equivalent Thyratron shall be used for the purpose of dimming these fluorescent lights. 32. A.C. 3-phase or D.C. 3-phase wire system :- Where supply is available on 3-phase A.C. system, the circuits A, B and C shall be supplied from three different phases, but where the supply is given on D.C. 3 wire system, the circuits B and C shall be supplied from two different sides and all lights, fans and other electrical apparatus on the stage shall be connected to one side only in common with either B or C. 33. Sources of supply :- (1) The supply for the three main circuit may be taken from independent sources of supply but in such cases special preparation shall be taken to prevent accidental connection of different circuits. (2) Change-over switches may be used which have been previously approved by the Electrical Inspector. 34. Auxiliary supply for exit signs :- (1) All exit signs shall be fitted with an auxiliary bulb capable of property illuminating the sign and these bulbs shall be fed from accumulators which shall be in a fully charged condition before the first admission of the public on any day. (2) All lights in the staircases, corridors, passages and exit notices shall be kept alight during the whole time the public are in the cinema. 35. Torches :- At least six electric torches of approved pattern shall be kept on the premises in proper working order throughout the year and these shall be distributed over the building so as to be accessible to doorkeepers. 36. Unlicensed premises :- No unlicensed premises or parts thereof not included in the licence shall be supplied with electric current from the mains or apparatus used for the licensed premises. 37. Gas and water-pipes :- Gas and water-pipes shall never form part of any electrical circuit. 38. Dressing-rooms :- When cinema premises are used for a dramatic performance, dressing-rooms and other part of the premises used by the staff shall be lighted to the satisfaction of the Electrical Inspector or his assistant. 39. Conductors :- (1) All conductors used within the building shall be of tinned copper having a conductivity equal to not less than 90 per cent of that of pure copper, and shall be so proportioned that the current density in any conductor shall not exceed 1,000 amps. per square inch. (2) Where a number of lights, as in the footlights and battens are supplied under control of the switch and protected by single or double pole cut-out, as the case may be, the conductors shall be maintained throughout of such sections that will be effectually protected by the cut-outs against heating. 40. Insulation :- (1) All conductors shall be properly insulated and the insulation resistance shall not be less than 600 Magohms per Statute Mile at 60 F after one minutes electrification when tested at 400 volts and after 48 hours immersion in water. (2) If it is desired to use any other conductor or insulation than as specified in these rules, special permission shall be obtained from the Electrical Engineer to Government and no material shall be used which is not water-proof or which is not protected by water-proof covering or which will soften at a temperature below 170 F. 41. Conductors, etc. Special Precautions :- No metal work in connection with the circuits shall be exposed or so fixed or constructed as to be liable to cause a short circuit. In all cases conductors conveying currents at high pressure inside buildings shall be specifically insulated. They shall be enclosed in screw joined and earthen iron or steel tubing. Armoured cable may be used for the supply Companys Service. 42. Joints :- Joints in conductors shall be avoided as far as possible but when unavoidable they shall be electrically and mechanically perfect. Soldering fluids shall not be used in making such joints, and no joints shall be made in metal conduit. 43. Conductors-- Fixing and protection :- (1) All conductors including lead covered cables where accessible to the public shall be efficiently protected from mechanical injury by an external armour of iron or steel. (2) Where conductors pass through or within walls, fire-proof floors or ceilings, they shall be protected by iron pipes or glazed stoneware or porcelain tubes and precautions shall be taken to prevent the possibility of fire water passing along the course of the conductors. (3) Conductors shall not be placed where liable to be heated by jets, steam pipes or other appliances. (4) In special cases, or where necessary protection from the depredations of rats, mice or other vermin, the wiring shall be enclosed in heavy gauge steel conduit. 44. Petrol engines :- No petrol-driven engine shall be allowed for generating electric current unless it is fixed in a fire-proof compartment at least 10 feet from any other building. 45. Wiring in casing :- If casing be used, it shall be of hard teak wood. Each conductor shall be laid in a separate groove, unless previous permission is obtained from the Electrical Engineer to Government to vary this condition. In no circumstances shall wires of unlike popularity be laid in the same groove nor, wires of the same polarity belonging to the different circuits, A, B or C. The cover shall be secured with screws. Casing shall not be used where it is liable to injury from weather or leakage of water, nor shall it be recessed into plaster. 46. Metallic tubing for mechanical protection :- Where iron pipe or tube is used as a mechanical protection, it shall be bushed where necessary and properly bushed inspection boxes shall be used. All metallic tubing shall be efficiently earthed and shall be provided screw joints or other means of ensuring a good and permanent electrical connection which shall be continuous with boxes and other fittings. 47. Stage lighting :- When cinema premises are used for a dramatic performance special care shall be taken that all works in connection with the lighting of the stage are carried out in as substantial a manner as possible preferably in heavy gauge screwed metal conduit. 48. Stage switch-board :- (1) When cinema premises are used for dramatic performances, a switch-board fitted with the necessary switches, cut-outs and other fittings for the control and regulation of the stage lighting shall be fixed in some convenient position overlooking the stage. (2) Connections shall be made where possible at the back of the board and there shall be a space of not less than 3 feet between the wall and the back of the board or such larger space as may be necessary to ensure the thimbles and connections being at all times easily accessible, or, as an alterative in the case of wires not larger than 7/18 S.W.G., provision may be made by hinging the board for rendering the back of the Board accessible. 49. Footlights, etc :- When cinema premises are used for dramatic performance lamps on batten and footlights, shall be properly protected from everything liable to cause a short circuit and shall be protected by stuff guards so arranged that no scenery or other inflammable material can come in contact with the lamps. 50. Enclosure :- (1) Within the enclosure no readily combustible material shall be used in connection with any lamp in such a manner that it may come in contact with the lamps or conductors. The insulating material of an electric cable including unprotected leads to lamps in the enclosure shall be covered with fire resisting material. (2) There shall be no coils of slack electric cable within the enclosure. The leads to the cinematograph lamp shall, unless conveyed within a metal pipe or other suitable casing, be kept well apart without both within and the enclosure so that the course of each may be readily traced. All live parts in the enclosure shall at times be totally covered by insulating and fire-proof material. 51. Permissible current and pressure in enclosure :- (1) No electric current at a higher pressure than 230 volts shall be supplied within the enclosure, and all wiring inside the enclosure, shall be in heavy gauge screwed conduit. (2) The cables for the cinematograph machine shall be taken as a separate circuit from the source of supply and there shall be an efficient linked ironclad switch and fuse inserted at the point where the supply is taken and in addition an efficient iron-clad double pole switch shall be fitted in the cinematograph lamp circuit inside the enclosure. 52. Resistance :- (1) Resistance frames shall be made entirely of fie-resisting materials and shall be so constructed and maintained that no outside part shall, at any time, become unduly heated. The resistances shall not be permitted to become so over-heated that a piece of dry newspaper place in contact with any part would readily burn. (2) All resistances with the exception of the resistance for regulating purposes shall be placed outside the enclosure and preferably outside the auditorium. They shall be adequately protected by wire guards or other efficient means or preventing accidental contact. 53. Plug sockets for stage :- The plug sockets for the stage shall be of bakelite of similar fire- proof material and of specially substantial construction. 54. Leads to battens, etc :- The leads to battens and movable lengths shall be specially guarded particularly at the points where they join on to the battens and movable lengths and a sufficient length shall be allowed to prevent the leads receiving any injury through any movement of the battens. This part of the leads shall be protected by stout canvas house properly fixed and the battens shall be suspended by at least three ropes. 55. Arc lamps :- In any cinematograph arc lamps shall not be used in the auditorium or in any part open to the public without permission of the Electrical Inspector. When they are used in any part of such premises, special precautions shall be taken to guard against danger from falling glass and incandescent particles of carbon. All parts of the lamps, lanterns and fittings which are liable to be handled (except by the persons employed to handle them) shall be insulated from the frame-work. (2) Any exposed portion of metal work of an arc lamp liable to become heated to a temperature sufficient to cause a conflagration by contact with scenery or other inflammable material shall be protected by a wire-guard. In no case shall arc lamps be suspended by the conductors. 56. Cut-outs :- (1) All circuits shall be efficiently protected by cut-outs placed in positions easily accessible to the staff, but inaccessible to the public. All cut-outs shall be of such pattern and be fixed in such a position as to admit of quick replacement. (2) All cut-outs shall be so constructed that falling fused metal cannot cause short circuit or an ignition. (3) All switches and cut-outs shall be so marked as to show clearly which circuit or lamp they control. (4) All switches, cut-outs, ceiling roses and wall sockets, lamp-holders shall have no inflammable bases and covers. All switches and cut-outs shall have sufficient length and breadth and shall be constructed so as to prevent the risk of formation of an arc. (5) All switches shall be of ample size to carry the current for which they are intended without heating and shall be so constructed that they shall not remain in any position intermediate between the "on" and the "off" position so as to permit of an arc or short circuit. 57. Fittings :- (1) All fittings shall be suspended in an approved manner and special care taken to avoid risk of the suspension failing from any cause. (2) Combined gas and electric fittings shall not be used. (3) Any electric light pendants or brackets in the auditorium and front of the house generally shall be at least 8 feet above the floor to the lowest projecting part of the fittings. No electrical fitting of apparatus of any description shall be so fixed or arranged as to interfere at any time with the proper work of the safety curtain. 58. Switch and fuse-boards :- (1) All switches and fuse- boards which are not fitted with front connections shall be so mounted as to give instant and easy access to the connection at the back of the board and shall be provided with dividing strips between poles both at the back and in front of proper lock-up cases with glass or metal front. The glass (unless of adequate thickness) shall be protected with a wire guard or alternatively boxes with lids and sides rendered fire-proof by asbestos sheeting may be used. (2) Switch and fuse-boards shall be fixed in accessible places where they will not obstruct any passage or exit. 59. Generating plant :- Where the supply of current is derived from special plant on the premises, such plant must in all cases be approved by the Electrical Inspector. 60. Boilers, gas engines, etc :- (1) Boilers, steam engines, gas engines and dynamos when used for the supply of electricity to such premises shall be such positions as shall be sanctioned by the Electrical Inspector to Government. All necessary provisions shall be made for keeping the temperature of the engine rooms within proper limits. (2) Oil or gas engines shall be placed in buildings adequately and continuously ventilated so that no explosive mixture of gas can accumulate. 61. Accumulators :- Accumulators shall be placed in rooms adequately ventilated to the outside air. These rooms shall be of fire-proof construction with fire-resisting doors and shall be used for no other purposes. 62. Transforming and converting machinery :- (1) Transforming and converting machinery with the controlling switches and cut-outs shall be placed in a fire-proof and water- proof structure, adequately ventilated to the outside air, properly lighted and accessible to the management and shall be used for no other purpose. (2) No transformer which under normal conditions of load heats to above 130 F shall be used and the transformer circuits shall be so arranged that in no circumstances may a contact between the primary and secondary coils be established. 63. High voltage :- Where the primary current if of high voltage no part of such apparatus of the control therefor shall be accessible to anybody except the person in charge of its maintenance. 64. Earthing of covers :- The metallic cover of all transformers, switches and other electrical apparatus shall be efficiently connected to earth. 65. Insulation resistance :- The insulation resistance of a system of distribution shall be such that the greatest leakage from any conductor to earth when all branches are switched on, shall not exceed l/5000th part of the total current required the test being made at approximately double the usual working pressure, provided that this rule shall not be held to justify a lower-insulation resistance than 10,000 ohms. 66. Motors, etc :- All motors and electrical apparatus shall, if permitted, be subject to special conditions, but electric fans and similar motors not taking more than 300 watts may be used, if separately wired, from fuses on a proper distributing board. 67. Plan of wiring :- A framed diagram indicating clearly the arrangement of all circuits and sub-circuits of the electrical installation, the position of distribution board, and the size of cable shall be displayed in the premises, and shall be kept up to date. 68. Temporary lighting :- (1) In all cases in which it is desired to install temporary lighting, seven days, notice shall be given to the Electrical Inspector in writing before it is desired to commence the work. (2) Wires and cables shall be adequately and firmly fixed and shall be similar to the wires already specified in these rules and in all cases where the wires are within reach of the public they shall be efficiently protected from mechanical injury by an armour of iron or steel. (3) All joints shall be soldered and taped if used for more than one week and if used for less than a week, the wire shall be soldered if larger than 7:20 S.W.G. or its equivalent. In either case, the joints in portable fitting and special appliances shall be taped. (4) All temporary works shall be immediately removed when no longer required for the purpose for which it was installed. In the case of temporary work on the stage, all connections to the permanent installation shall be removed immediately after the performance in which they are used, unless permission be obtained to the contrary. Such special conditions as may be requisite in each case may be attached to the consent of the Electrical Inspector to the use of temporary electric work. 69. Safety curtain :- Whenever in cinema premises which are used for a dramatic performance the safety curtain is lowered, all lights in the auditorium shall be immediately lighted. 70. Shock treatment instructions and insulated gloves :- Instructions both in English and in the local languages of the district for the restoration of persons suffering from electric shock shall be affixed in a conspicuous place and at least one pair of Indian rubber gloves in good order shall be provided for use of electricians. 71. Miscellaneous :- All main switches, fuses and like fittings which are the property of the Electric Supply Co., shall be distinguished by red colour and every apparatus which is to be operated by authorised persons only shall be made completely inaccessible to the public. 72. Operators :- The electrical plant and projecting apparatus shall be in the hands of qualified persons who shall be nominated in writing for this purpose by licensee of the cinema, and such nomination shall be subject to the approval of the Electrical Inspector: Provided that the electrical installation shall be in charge of properly qualified person (Class II Wireman) and his name and qualification shall be notified to the Electrical Inspector for approval. CHAPTER 5 PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE 73. Tanks :- In every permanent or quasi-permanent cinema there shall be provided on the top of the proscenium wall or in some other place to be approved by the Executive Engineer/Sub-divisional Officer concerned two cisterns (connected with fire service in the cinema) which shall be kept always filled with water, each of the cisterns shall be capable of containing at least 250 gallons of water for every 100 individuals of the public to be accommodated in the cinema. These cisterns shall be fitted with an outside indicator suitably placed so as to show clearly the depth of water therein and the water shall be kept clean and free from sediment and covered over with properly fitting covers so as to be mosquito-proof. The cisterns shall be cleaned once every year: Provided that nothing in this rule shall apply to touring cinemas and to premises duly licensed for use for cinematograph exhibition before the coming into force of these rules if such premises are situated in places where there is sufficient municipal water supply which can be used for the purpose of extinguishing fire. 74. Hydrants :- All cinemas shall be provided with such number of hydrants, not less than two as may be fixed by the licensing authority. The hydrants shall be of a diameter not less than 21/2 inches and shall be fixed at such sites as may be approved by the appropriate Executive Engineer. The hydrants shall be connected to the cisterns provided for in rule 73 by taking separate mains of 3" diameter from each cistern and joined together by a single main of 3" diameter: Provided that in the case of premises where no cisterns a r e required to be kept under rule 73 the hydrants shall be connected to the municipal water-mains. Hose pipes with jet nozzles and required accessories shall also be provided as directed by the appropriate Executive Engineer: Provided further that nothing in this rule apply to premises duly licensed for use for cinematograph exhibition before the coming into force of these rules if such premises are situated in places where the municipal water-main have a connection sufficiently close to such premises. 75. Fire buckets :- (1) Fire buckets of approved design with a conical base shall be provided in such numbers as the licensing authority may direct and shall be kept at all times full of water which shall be changed regularly twice every week. A few pinches of lime shall be added to such water to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. Buckets of dust or dry sand shall also be provided in such numbers as the licensing authority may direct and the attention of the public shall be drawn to the water and sand buckets by placards legibly painted and fixed immediately above them: Provided that in respect of premises duly licensed for cinematograph exhibition before the coming into force of these rules and in respect of touring cinemas the existing fire buckets with round bottom may be used but shall be replaced by fire buckets with conical base whenever they are next replaced. (2) At least one bucket filled with dry snap shall be kept in some accessible position on the stage in readiness for use in dealing with an electric fire. 76. Chemical extinguishers :- (1) Chemical extinguishers of an approved type and of at least 3 gallons capacity shall be provided in such numbers as the licensing authority may from time to time direct and shall be placed on brackets four feet from the ground. Directions for using them shall in all cases be prominently painted on the extinguishers or on a card placed over the extinguishers and the attention of the public shall be directed to them by placards legibly printed and painted and fixed immediately above them: Provided that nothing in this rule shall apply to touring cinemas and to premises duly licensed for use for cinematograph exhibition before the coming into force of these rules. (2) Chemical extinguishers shall be renewed or well- cleaned and re-charged every 12 months, a record of which should be kept for inspection. 77. Fire-extinguishers, etc. for enclosure :- Two pressure-type fire extinguishers, two buckets of water, one bucket of sand and a blanket shall always be kept inside the enclosure. A large sponge shall be kept in one of the buckets of water and one fire extinguisher shall also be kept immediately outside the enclosure. 78. Exit signs :- (1) All exits and other doors or openings intended to be used for the purposes of exits shall be indicated by notices in the language understood in the locality in white letters seven inches long, upon a black ground painted on or above the doors at least 6.9" above the floor. (2) The words "No Exit" in the language understood in the locality shall be similarly painted upon all doors in sight of the audience which do not lead to exits. (3) All electric "Exits" signs shall be fitted with an auxiliary bulb capable of properly illuminating the sign; the bulbs shall be fed from dry batteries or accumulators, which shall be kept in proper working order, the switch of the auxiliary bulbs shall be fixed in an easily accessible position in the corridor and not inside the auditorium. (4) Nothing in this rule shall apply to touring cinemas and to premises duly licensed for use for cinematograph exhibition before the coming into force of these rules, so long as "Exit" and "No Exit" signs in such premises are clearly visible and easily legible. 79. Curtains :- All curtains covering doors and passages shall be hung so as not to trail on the floor. 80. Special rules for enclosure, etc :- (1) No unnecessary combustible material shall be allowed within the enclosure, and as far as possible all necessary combustible material, film and other like materials when not in use shall be kept, in fire-proof receptacles suitable for the purpose. (2) No smoking shall at any time be permitted, within the enclosure and placard shall be prominently exhibited both inside and outside the enclosure to the effect that smoking is prohibited. (3) The enclosure and the engine-room, if any, shall be inaccessible to the public. (4) No smoking shall be allowed in the rewinding room; and films which are not in use shall be stored in metal containers and no combustible matter shall be kept inside the rewinding room. 81. Cinematograph machine :- (1) The cinematograph machine shall be placed on firm supports of fire-resisting construction, and it shall be provided with a metal shutter between the film gate and the source of light. The shutter shall automatically drop in the event of any accident to the cinematograph machine, or stoppage of the film, and shall automatically rise when the film is in motion for the purpose of projection. (2) The film gate shall be of massive construction and provided with ample heat radiating surface and the passage for the film shall be sufficiently narrow to prevent flame travelling upwards or downwards from the light opening. 82. Films, boxes, spools, etc :- (1) All cinematograph projectors shall be fitted with two film boxes of non-inflammable material and of substantial construction to and from which films shall be made to travel. Such boxes which shall be of approved size and construction, shall be made to close in such a manner as to prevent the passage of flame to the interior of the film-box. (2) Spools shall be either chain or gear-driven and films shall be wound upon spools so that the wound film shall not at any time reach or project beyond the edges of the flanges of the spools. (3) It shall not be necessary to have metal casing for spools in case of projectors using films with acetate base. 83. Cloak-rooms :- (1) Where cloak-rooms are provided, they shall be so situated that the use of them shall not obstruct the free use of an exit. (2) No corridor shall be used as a cloak-room and no pegs for hanging hats, cloaks, or such other articles shall be allowed therein nor shall any corridor be used for storage purpose whatever except for exit and entrance from and to the auditorium. 84. Telephone :- In places where there is a public telephone, the cinema building shall be connected by telephone with the nearest fire brigade station in that place. 85. Lighting :- (1) All lighting shall be provided by electricity. No gas, acetylene, oil or other lamps shall be used for lighting the cinema or any part thereof. (2) Every portion of the cinema devoted to the use or accommodation of the public and also all outlets leading outside the cinema including the corridors shall be well and properly lighted during every performance and the same shall be lighted until the entire public have left the cinema after the performance is over. 86. Firemen :- (1) In every cinema including a touring cinema the employees shall be trained in the use of fire appliances. (2) The instructions to be followed in case of fire shall always be posted in some conspicuous place, so that all people connected with the cinema shall be acquainted with their contents. (3) A report of any fire or alarm of fire, however, slight shall be at once sent to the fire brigade. CHAPTER 6 PERMISSION FOR BUILDING A CINEMA 87. Permission for building :- No person shall put up any building or structure or convert existing premises for being used as a cinema except with the previous permission in writing of the licensing authority. 88. Application for permission :- Any person desiring to put up a building or structure to be used as a cinema shall make an application in writing to the licensing authority. Each such application shall be accompanied by a true copy of the "No Objection Certificate" issued by Government or the licensing authority in respect of the site where the cinema is proposed to be put up. 89. Application to be accompanied by plans :- The application shall be accompanied by complete plans, elevations and sections of the proposed cinema and of all erections or buildings in connection therewith drawn correctly to scale of l/8th inch to a foot and by a block plan on a separate sheet showing the positions of the proposed cinema in relation to any adjacent premises and to the public thoroughfare upon which the site of such proposed cinema abuts, drawn to a scale of not less than 1 /40th inch to a foot. The cardinal points shall be marked on such plans. All drawing shall be coloured to distinguish the material to be employed in the constructions of buildings and erections. The width of all staircases and the number of steps in each, the width of corridors, gangways and doorways together with height of any galleries or tiers in the proposed cinema and in any of the erection or buildings in connection therewith as are more than one tier in height shall be indicated on such drawings, as well as the floor and roof, ventilation and the details of any electric installation. The thickness of the walls, and scantlings of the various materials used shall be clearly shown on such drawings by figured dimensions. The plans shall show the respective numbers of audience or spectators intended to be accommodated in the various parts of the proposed cinema and the space to be assigned to each individual thereof and shall be accompanied by a specification of the works to be executed sufficiently describing the material to be employed and the mode of construction to be adopted. All openings for ventilation shall be shown in the plans and describe in the specification. The plan shall be prepared by an authorised architect or a qualified engineer and shall bear a certificate under his signature to the effect that the designs are sound and stable. 90. Plans to be approved :- On receipt of the application and the plans the licensing authority shall forward the same to the Executive Engineer/Sub-Divisional Officer concerned for approval and the applicant shall be bound to carry out such reasonable additions and alterations in the plans as may be directed by the Executive Engineer/Sub-Divisional Officer concerned before the plans are finally approved by him. 91. Permission to build :- After the plans are finally approved by the executive Engineer/Sub- Divisional Officer concerned the licensing authority may grant permission in writing to the applicant to put up the cinema in accordance with the plans finally approved, provided the permission granted under these rules does not dispense with the necessity of obtaining the requisite sanction under the Municipal Acts or any other law for the time being in force. 92. Permission to be valid for two years :- The applicant shall complete the construction of the cinema within a period of two years from the date of the permission or within such extended period as may be allowed by the licensing authority. 93. Modification in plans :- No modifications in the plans shall be made while in the course of construction unless such modifications are approved by the licensing authority in consultation with the Executive Engineer/Sub- Divisional Officer concerned. 94. Additions and alterations :- No additions or alterations shall be made to a cinema except with the written permission of the licensing authority. 95. Notice of additions and alterations :- A notice in writing of any intended structural addition to or alteration of any cinema shall be given to the licensing authority accompanied by complete plans, elevations and sections, block plan and specification of new works proposed to be executed in the manner laid down by rule 89 and the notice shall describe clearly such intended additions or alterations. 96. Inspections of construction :- The Executive Engineer/Sub-Divisional Officer concerned, may at any time, inspect a cinema theatre which is under construction with a view to satisfying himself that the construction is according to the approved plans and specification. If any deviations are found, the Executive Engineer/Sub-Divisional Officer concerned, shall report the same to the licensing authority and also inform the owner. 97. Power to refuse licence :- The licensing authority may refuse to grant a licence to operate a cinema, the building of which has not been constructed according to the approved plans and specifications. 98. Chapter not applicable to touring cinemas :- The provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to touring cinemas. CHAPTER 7 CINEMA LICENCE 99. Cinema licence :- No places shall be opened or allowed to remain open for use as a cinema unless the person being the owner, tenant or occupier thereof shall have obtained a cinema licence therefor. 100. Application for cinema licence :- The application for a cinema licence shall be made to the licensing authority and shall contain a statement as to the nature and extent of the interest of the applicant in the cinema and shall also indicate the name or names of manager or managers nominated by the applicant as required by rule 108 and also the names and addresses of the qualified electrician-in-charge of the electric installation and the name and address of the qualified operator of the cinematograph. The application shall be accompanied by the following documents:-- (1) A true copy of the "No Objection Certificate" issued under rule 6. (2) A true copy of the building permission issued under rule 91. (3) A certificate from an authorised architect or a qualified engineer and countersigned by the Executive Engineer/Sub-Divisional Officer concerned to the effect that the construction of the cinema is sound and in accordance with the requirements laid down in Chapter III and that all directions given or conditions specified by the Executive Engineer/Sub-Divisional Officer concerned have been complied with and that precautions against fire have been taken as laid down in Chapter V. (4) A certificate from the Electrical Inspector of the areas concerned to the effect that the electrical installation in the cinema is in order the has been inspected and passed by him and conforms to the requirements of the rules under Indian Electricity Act, 1910, and to the rules in Chapter IV and rules 77, 78 (3), 80, 81, 82 and 85 in Chapter V and that all directions given or conditions specified by him have been complied with and that the electrical plant and the projection apparatus is in charge of qualified hands as required by rule 72. (5) A certificate from Medical Officer of Health to the effect that there is no objection from the health point of view for the grant of a licence and that the applicant has complied with all directions given in that respect. (6) A certificate from the authority concerned that telephone in working order has been duly installed in the cinema. (7) Nothing in sub- rules (5) and (6) shall apply to touring cinemas. (8) A certificate from any electric supply company or a licensed electrical contractor or from the Executive Engineer concerned that lightning conductors have been duly provided in the cinema building. Such certificate shall state the actual resistance to earth found by regular test in the case of such lighting conductors. 101. Grant of cinema licence :- The licensing authority on receipt of documents and certificate referred to in rule 100 being satisfied that all the necessary rules have been complied with, may grant a licence for a cinema to the applicant on such terms and conditions and subject to such restrictions as the licensing authority may determine. The cinema licence shall be in Form "E": Provided that a touring cinema licence shall not be beyond the district of issues and ordinarily touring cinema licences shall not be granted for place where there is already a permanent or a quasi-permanent cinema, but the licensing authority may, in its discretion, permit a touring cinema to operate it a place where there is already a permanent or quasi- permanent cinema on occasions such as fairs and melas or when the touring cinema exhibits films of a kind different from those exhibited by non-touring cinemas such as, educational films or where it caters for a different public. 102. Power to refuse licence :- The licensing authority shall have absolute discretion in refusing a cinema licence if the cinema appears to it likely to cause obstruction, inconvenience, annoyance, risk, danger or damage to residents, or passers-by in the vicinity of the cinema. 103. Death or disability of licensee :- If the licensee dies or becomes mentally incapable or otherwise disabled the person carrying on the business shall not be liable to any penalty for carrying on the business during such reasonable time as may be necessary to admit of his making an application for the renewal of the licence. 104. Duration of licence :- A permanent cinema may be licensed for any period not exceeding one year and a quasi-permanent cinema or a touring cinema may be licensed for any period not exceeding six months. 105. Renewal of licences :- The licensing authority, may, on application being made to him in that behalf, renew the cinema licence for the requisite period subject to rule 103. An application for the renewal of a licence shall be made in the manner laid down in rule 100 but it shall not be necessary to attach to the application for renewal the true copy of the "No Objection Certificate" and the copy of the building permission unless specially required by the licensing authority: Provided that in the case of the touring cinemas and of premises duly licensed for use for cinematograph exhibition before the coming into force of these rules, a certificate of the nature referred to in sub-rule (3) of rule 100 from the Executive Engineer/Sub- divisional Officer, concerned in lieu of such certificate from an authorised architect or a qualified engineer, may be attached. 106. Fees :- (1) The fee for a licence or renewal of licence inclusive of the inspection by the Executive Engineer/Sub-Divisional Officer concerned or by the Medical Officer of Health having jurisdiction over the area in which the cinema is situated, shall be as follows:-- 1[For permanent, semi-permanent or Touring Cinema:-- Number of seats Rate of Licence fee per year Remarks (1) (2) (3) Up to 200 250.00 Maximum 5 years for permanent 201 to 500 500.00 Cinema and maximum two years 501 and over 625.00 for semi-permanent or Touring Cinema, may be licensed. Provided that where the certificate has been obtained from the Joint Executive Engineer/Sub-Divisional Officer in respect of the lightening conductor as provided in sub-rule (8) of Rule 100, the licence-fee shall be raised by Rs. 250.00 (Rupees two hundred fifty)]. (2) The fee for the inspections of electric installations shall be separately paid in accordance with rates notified under the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956. (3) The fee for making any alteration or addition in a cinema licence shall be Re. 1, and the fee for a duplicate licence shall be Rs. 2 2[(4) The Cinema Licensee in the jurisdiction of all Municipal Corporations/Municipalities of the State shall deposit the licence fee/licence renewal fees in the cancerned Municipal Corporation/Municipalities Cinema Licensees of other areas shall deposit the licence fee/licence renewal fee in the Government Treasury]. 107. Application for renewal to be made within one year :- An application of the renewal of a cinema licence made more than one year after the date of the expiry of the previous licence shall be treated as an application for a new licence and all the rules shall apply mutatis mutandis to this application as if it were an application for a new licence. Footnotes: 1. Subs, by M.P. Noti. No. F. 25.7.95-cul-XXX, dated 11th September 1997, published in M.P. Rajpatra, Part IV (Ga), dated 31.10.1997. 2. Ins. by M.P. Notification No. F. 25.7.95-cul-XXX, dated 11th September 1997, published in M.P. Rajpatra, Part IV (Ga), dated 31.10.1997. CHAPTER 9 SUSPENSION AND CANCELLATION OF LICENCES, LIMITATION FOR APPEALS AND APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION 123. Suspension or cancellation of licence :- (1) The licensing authority may suspend or cancel any licence granted under these rules for contravention of any of these rules, provided that the licensing authority shall give the licensee an opportunity to show cause before taking any action under this sub- rule. (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-rule (1), the cinema licence shall be liable to immediate suspension by the licensing authority, if, in the opinion of the licensing authority the appliances in the cinema for protection against for extinguishing fire are inadequate or in anyway insufficient or in unsatisfactory condition. 124. Period within which appeals under Section 5 shall be made :- An appeal against an order of a licensing authority refusing to grant a licence under sub section (3) of Section 5 shall be made within thirty days from the date of receipt of such order by the applicant. 125. Power to give directions during epidemic :- Without prejudice to provisions of rule 124 the licensing authority in consultation with the Assistant Director of Public Health, or District Health Officer or Health Officer of the Municipality, if any, may, if so advised, direct by a special notice-- (a) a reduction in the scale of accommodation prescribed in rule 13. (b) the periodical disinfection of premises which may include spraying and fumigation; and (c) the adoption of such other measures for better ventilation as may be specified in the notice, and the licensee shall be bound forthwith to comply with any such direction and on failure to do so, his licence shall be liable to instant suspension or cancellation. 126. Presentation of application for exemption :- An application for an exemption under Section 10 shall be addressed to the Secretary to the Government of Madhya Pradesh, Home Department and unless prevented by sufficient cause, be made at least ten days before the date of the proposed cinematograph exhibition. 127. Repeal and savings :- All rules corresponding to these rules in force in any region of the State of Madhya Pradesh. immediately before the commencement of these rules are hereby repealed: Provided that anything done or any action taken under the rules so repealed shall be deemed to have been done or taken under the corresponding provisions of these rules.

Act Metadata
  • Title: Madhya Pradesh Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1972
  • Type: S
  • Subtype: Madhya Pradesh
  • Act ID: 19654
  • Digitised on: 13 Aug 2025