In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 10
of the Assam Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1953 has been adapted by the State of
Meghalaya vide Meghalaya Adaptation of Laws and Orders (No. 3), 1973. INTRODUCTORY (i)
These Rules may be called the
Meghalaya Cinemas (Regulation) Rules. (ii)
They shall apply to all exhibitions by
meant of Cinematograph in the State of Meghalaya. (iii)
They shall deem to have come into
force in the 21st day of January, 1972. In
this rules, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject of context- [1][[2](i)
The "Act" means the Meghalaya Cinemas (Regulation) Act; (ii) "Auditorium" means the portion of the
licensed place in which accommodation is provided for the audience or
spectators to view the cinematograph exhibition; (iii) "enclosure" means that portion of the
licensed place in which the Cinematograph apparatus is erected; (iv) "exit" includes an emergency exit and any
entrance useable by the public as an exit; (v) "Government" means the Government of the
State of Meghalaya; (vi) "License" means a license granted under the
provision of the Act; (vii) "Licensee" means any person who has been
granted a license and includes his agents and managers; (viii) "Person" means any adult male or female
individual and whether incorporated or not. There
shall be four kinds of licensee namely for:- (i)
Permanent cinemas; (ii)
Temporary indoor cinemas; (iii)
Temporary open air cinemas; and (iv)
Touring cinemas. (I)
Any person desiring to put up a
building or structure to be used as a permanent cinemas house shall make an
application in writing to the Licensing Authority specifying the site where the
cinema house in proposed to be put up. Each such application shall be
accompanied by- [3](a) No Objection Certificate - A certificate from either
the Municipality, Town Development Authority, or Town Committee exercising
jurisdiction over the area and where none of these exists, from the District
Council that there is no objection to the erection of the proposed Cinema
building. (b) Complete plans,
elevation and sanction in duplicate, of the premises and all erections or
buildings thereon drawn correctly to the scale of one-eight of an inch to one
foot and showing the width of all stairways, and the number of steps in each,
the width of corridors, gangways and doorways, the height of the galleries or
tiers and the details of the cinematograph and of the plant for the generation
or conversion of electrical energy; (c) a site plan in
duplicate on a separate sheet drawn to the scale of one fortieth of an inch to
one feet showing the position of the premises in relation to any adjacent
premises and to the public thoroughfare upon which the site of the premises
abuts, and the arrangements, proposed for the parking of motor car and other
vehicles within the proposed site;[4]
(d) Specification of
the various materials proposed to be used in the construction of the building; (II)
On receipt of the application and the
plans, the Licensing Authority shall forward the same to the Executive Engineer
concerned for the approval and the applicant shall be bound to carry out such
additions and alterations in the plans as may be directed by Executive Engineer
concerned before the plans are finally approved by him. After
the plans are finally approved by the Executive Engineer concerned, the
Licensing Authority with the prior approval of the State Government may grant
in Form 'A' appended to these Rules, a "No Objection" Certificate in
writing to the applicant to put up the Cinema house in accordance with the
plans finally approved: [5]The State Government in according approval to "No
Objection" certificate shall take into consideration the fact whether the
applicant has get any previous License of cinema and shall give preference to
those having no such License. Provided
that such "No Objection" certificate does by no means guarantee the
issue of a cinema license which depend on separate application and fulfillment
of the requirement of prescribed Rules and instruction; Provided
further that in the case of a license either for temporary, open air cinema, or
for touring cinema, the condition of furnishing a "No Objection"
certificate required under Rule 11 (2) (II) and Rule 14 (2) (II) respectively
may be relaxed by the Licensing Authority to such extent as may be considered
necessary having due regard to the safety measures for the spectators. (I)
Every application for the grant or
renewal of a license shall be in writing and shall be signed by the applicant
and submitted to the Licensing Authority. (II)
Procedure for application:- Application
for the grant as distinct from the renewal of a permanent cinema license shall
be accompanied by; (1)
full particulars regarding the
ownership of an all rights in, the premises and in the cinematograph apparatus
to be used therein; (2)
a true copy of the "No
Objection" certificate under sub-rule (II) of Rule 4; (3)
certificate form the Executive
Engineer, P.W.D., of the area that the rules relating to the structural
features of the building have been duly complied with; (4)
certificate from the Electricity
Department of the Government that the electrical installation conform to the
required standard and the existing rules; (5)
certificate from the District Officer
or any other competent authority of Public Health Department that the
arrangements for sanitation comform to the requirements of the rules; (6)
an "approved Films Exhibition Certificate"
from the Officer-in-Charge of Distribution, Films, Divisions, Ministry of
Information and Broadcasting, Government of India to the effect that the
arrangements have been made for getting regular supply of approved fixtures for
the duration of the period for which license is applied for; (7)
a treasury receipt for the payment of
fees for license at the rate prescribed; (8)
a clearance certificate from the
Superintendent of Taxes of the area concerned to the effect that no amount of
tax due under the Meghalaya Amusement and Betting Tax Act, 1939, has remained
unpaid; (9)
a certificate from the Deputy
Commissioner concerned that the application for license will not involve a
benami transaction. (1) A License for permanent cinema may be granted by the
Licensing Authority with the prior approval of the State Government in Form B
appended to these Rules. [6](2) No permanent cinema house shall be allowed within a
distance of two hundred and fifty metres from the existing hospital,
educational institutions, place of worship, cremation grounds, graveyards,
cemetery or other standing permanent Cinema House. [7](3) The License granted shall be valid for three years
unless revoked earlier by the Licensing Authority. It may be renewed on the
expiry of its validity for a period not exceeding three years at a time by
Licensing Authority with the previous approval of the State Government. The
application for renewal shall be submitted atleast one month before the date of
expiry of the existing license by the licensee in writing to the Licensing
Authority accompanied by a fee as prescribed in Rule F, and certificate
mentioned in Rules 5. (4) Any license who
fails to apply for renewal of his license, with the requisite fee and
certificates within fifteen days of the[8] expiry
of the term of his license, shall at the time of its renewal as required to pay
affine of Rs. 100/- (Rupees one hundred). Explanation:-
The word 'existing' means existing on the date of the issue of "No
Objection" certificate under Rule (4). [9]License for permanent Cinema including duplicate thereof
may be granted on payment of fees at rates prescribed below:- (a)
Cinemas having 1001 seats and above
Rs. 6,600 for every three years. (b)
Cinemas having 701 seats up to 1000
seats Rs. 5100 for every year. (c)
Cinemas having 501 seats up to 700
seats Rs. 3,900 for every three years. (d)
Cinemas having 500 seats and below Rs.
3,000 for every three years. (e)
for duplicate copy of any of the above
license Rs. 30 for every three years. Any
person desirous of obtaining a license for a temporary indoor cinema shall
apply in writing with the particulars and certificates mentioned in clauses
(a), (c), (f), (g), and (h) of Rule 5, to the Licensing Authority. “9. (1) A License
for a temporary indoor cinema may be granted by the Licensing Authority, with
the prior approval of the State Government in Form C appended to these Rules
for a period not exceeding three months. This period may however, be extended
for a further period of three months on application being made, before the
expiry of the current license, fulfilling the requirement of Rule 8. (2)
No license for temporary indoor cinema shall be issued in respect of any
structure which is situated within a distance of two hundred and fifty metes
from any existing hospital, educational institution, place of worship,
cremation of ground, graveyard, cemetery or other existing permanent cinema
house. [10]A fee of Rupees Rs. 100/- per mensem shall be paid for a
License for a temporary Indoor Cinema and Rs. 20/- for a duplicate copy of the
license. A surcharge of Rs. 50/- shall believed for failure to apply for
renewal of the license in time. (1)
A person desirous of holding a license
for a temporary open Air Cinema shall apply to the Licensing Authority of the
District within which it is proposed to hold the open air shows. (2)
Every application for a temporary open
air cinema license shall be accompanied by:- (i)
Full particulars regarding the
ownership of, and all rights in, the cinematograph to be used; (ii)
A true copy of the 'No Objection'
certificate under sub-rule (II) of Rule 4; (iii)
A treasury receipt for the payment of
fees for license at the rate prescribed under Rule 13. (iv)
A clearance certificate from the
Superintendent of Taxes of the area concerned to the effect that no amount of
tax due under the Meghalaya Amusement and Betting Tax Act, 1939, has remained
unpaid. A
license for a temporary open air cinemas may be granted by the Licensing
Authority with the prior approval of the State Government in Form D appended to
these Rules, for a period not exceeding six months. Provided
that no such cinema shows shall be allowed within such a distance as the State
Government considers reasonable having regard to the surrounding circumstances,
from the existing hospital, cemetery, grave-yard, cremation ground or from an
educational institution or place of public worship unless shows are held as a
part of any function or festival of such educational institution or place of
public worship. [11]A fee of Rs. 150/- shall be paid for a license for a
temporary open air cinema or Touring Cinema for the period for which the
license is valid and Rs. 20/- for a duplicate copy of the license; Provided
that where the license for touring cinema is for holding shows for the benefit
of labour in industrial concerns or by academic or cultural institutions, or
for exhibiting only educational films or for the benefit of the public and not
for making any profit or gain, the State Government may exempt the levy of fees
under these rules. (1)
A person desirous of holding a license
for a touring cinema shall apply to the Licensing Authority of the area in
which it is proposed to hold the touring cinemas. (2)
Every application for a touring
cinemas license shall accompanied by: (i)
Full particulars regarding the
ownership of, and all right in, the cinematograph to be used; (ii)
A true copy of the "No
Objection" certificate under sub-rule (II) of Rule 4; (iii)
A treasury receipt for the payment of
fees for license at the rate prescribed. (iv)
A clearance certificate from the
Superintendent of Taxes of the area concerned to the effect that no amount of
tax due under the Meghalaya Amusement and Betting Tax Act, 1939 has been
remained unpaid; (v)
A certificate from the Deputy Commissioner
concerned that the application for a license will not involve a benami
transaction. A
license for a touring cinema to be granted by the Licensing Authority with the
prior approval of State Government, in Form D appointed to these Rules, for a
period exceeding six months. Provided
that no such cinema shows shall be allowed within such distance as the State
Government considers reasonable having regard to the surrounding circumstances,
from the existing hospital, cemetery, graveyard or cremation ground or from an
educational institution or place of public worship unless shows held as a part
of any function or festival of such educational institution or places of public
worship. [12]A fee of Rs. 5 (Rupees five) shall be levied for every
month or part thereof for the period for which each touring cinema is valid; Provided
where the license for touring Cinema is for holding shows of the benefit of
labour in industrial concerns or by academic or cultural institutions, or for
exhibiting only educational films or for the benefit of the public and rot for
making any profit or gain, the State Government may exempt this levy of this
license fee. A
fee of Re/- shall be payable for a duplicate copy of the license. The
holder of a license for a touring cinema may shift the venue of the exhibition
from place to place within the district of issue, after giving due intimation
of his programme and itinerary in advance to the Licensing Authority; provided
that all the rules and safety requirements for holding cinema shows shall be
duly observed and in case where it is proposed to install a touring cinema in a
building the provisions of Rules 8 shall be duly complied with the licenses; Provided
further that a touring cinema shall not be held for more than 15 days in any
particular place where no other license is being operated and a license cannot
be operated in more than one place at a time. If
the Licensing Authority to whom an application for a license is made, is
satisfied that all the prescribed requirements of Rules have been fulfilled and
the economy of the place justifies a cinema license like the one applied for
and there is no objection of any kind to the grant of such a license it may
forward the application to the State Government with its recommendation stating
the period for which and any particular condition or restrictions under which
approval to the grant of a license is recommended by it. (I)
The competent officers of the PWD, the
Electricity Department and the Public Health Department having jurisdiction in
the area shall make necessary inspection [13]once
a year in the month of December of the premises and the building in their
respective spare or duty for the purpose of giving the prescribed certificates. (II)
Defects revealed by such inspections
shall be brought to the notice of the applicant or license and of the Licensing
Authority which may refuse to grant or renew the license unless and until they
are remedied to its satisfaction. (III)
Fees of Rs. 50, Rs. 25 and Rs. 20
shall be payable respectively for each of the prescribed certifications by the
Departments of Electricity, Public Health and Public Works. A duplicate copy of
these certificates may be granted on payment of a fee of Rs. 2. (I)
The licensee shall give free access to
the Cinema at all hours to the officers mentioned below:- (a)
The Licensing Authority or any officer
nominated by it for these purpose of carrying out the duties of the Licensing
Authority under the Act and the Rules and for checking that the provisions of
the Act, the Rules framed there under and the conditions of the license are
being duly complied with; (b)
Any Police Officer who is required by
a general or Special Order of the Licensing Authority or the District
Superintendent of Police to attend the same; (c)
The Officers of competent jurisdiction
of the Departments of Public Health, Public Works and Electricity for the
purpose of serving that the provisions of these rules are being duly observed
and; (d)
Regional Officers under the Central
Board of Film Censors or an officer authorised by him in writing. (II)
The License and the plan and
description if, any attached thereto shall be produced on demand by the
Licensing Authority or by any officer authorised by it or by these rules to
enter a place licensed under section 5 of the Act. (III)
A licensee, his servants, and agents
shall comply with any orders taken by the Licensing Authority or by the
Inspecting Officers from time to time or as occasion arises, for the safety or
convenience of the public or for the preservation of order or of the public
peace. (I)
No addition to or alteration in any
portion of any premises licensed under Section 5 of the Act, necessitated by
fire, any other calamity or any other cause shall be made without the sanction
of the Licensing Authority. (II)
The Licensee shall give notice in
writing to the Licensing Authority of his intention to make any such addition
or alteration and such notice shall be accompanied by complete plans,
elevations and sections and specification of the work proposed to be executed in
the manner prescribed in Rule 4. (III)
The work shall not be commenced until
the consent of the Licensing Authority has been obtained and the Licensing
Authority shall not give consent unless the Executive Engineer PWD certifies
that the proposed addition or alteration is in accordance with these rules. (IV)
No addition to or alteration of any
part of the Cinematograph apparatus and its appurtenances or of the lighting or
other electric arrangements shall be made without the sanction of the Licensing
Authority. The
licensee shall give notice in writing to the Licensing Authority of his
intention to make any such addition or alteration and the Licensing Authority
shall not give sanction thereto unless an officer of competent jurisdiction of
the Department of Electricity certificate that the addition or alteration is in
accordance with the provisions of these rules. RULES FOR THE LICENSING OF PERMANENT CINEMAS All
buildings or other regulations for observance at places of public amusement
imposed by the Municipal bye-laws or by any other law, or by rules under any
other law, for the time being in force, shall be strictly adhered to as far as
they are not inconsistent with these rules. A
permanent license shall only be granted or renewed in respect of a building
which as regards its location, structure, fittings electrical and other
equipment complied with the provisions of the rules in these parts. Deleted
vide Meghalaya Cinema (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules 1987. [14]No portion of the place licensed shall be occupied or use
as a hotel boarding or lodging house, factory, workshop or manufacture or for
storage or residential purposes, except as the Licensing Authority may allow. (a)
No person shall smoke and no holder of
a cinema license or his agent or manager shall permit smoking in the
auditorium. (b)
The number of persons admitted at any
time into any part of the place licensed shall not exceed such number as may be
specified in the licensed. No persons shall be permitted to remain in any of
the interesting gangways. In
order to ensure that the maximum number is not exceeded one more particularly
to facilitate checking at any time the licensee shall issue tickets bearing
serial numbers and the date and the number and the number of the performance on
the foils and counterfoils. After each performance, the tickets books shall be
marked closed on the last counterfoil issued. (a)
The licensee shall make arrangements
to the satisfactions of the Licensing Authority for the sale of tickets for
admission tickets shall be numbered to correspond to the numbers of the
respective seat in the auditorium and no more tickets shall be sold for any
performance than there are seats available. (b)
The licensee shall also make
arrangements to the satisfaction of the Licensing Authority for the orderly
marshalling of persons desirous of purchasing tickets at the licensed place.
Such a numbers of booking office windows shall as provided in cinema houses of
the sale of tickets to the public as the Licensing Authority may determine in
order to prevent congestion of entrances. (c)
The licensee shall cause to be affixed
and displayed in a conspicuous manner in the cinema premises or at the booking
office a price-list showing the various rates charged for tickets to different
classes which are kept, offered or exposed by him for sale and also the hours
of business during which such sale will be effected and no sale shall be
effected except during the hours notified. Provided that advance, booking of
seats shall be allowed on receipt of a reservation fee at the rate of 5 paise
for each tickets of lowest two classes and 10 paise per ticket for the upper
classes, and arrangement therefore shall be made by the licensee during the
hours of 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. in the booking counter or any other notified place in
the cinema house. (d)
Every licensee shall print or cause to
be printed in the face of every ticket, pass or other evidence of the right of
admission to be sold or kept, offered or exposed for sale, the price charged
therefore plus entertainment tax, if any, and he at no time charge for any such
ticket, pass or evidence of the right of admission a price in excess of what is
printed thereon. The
rates of payment for admission to the different class in the licensed premises
shall be determined by the Licensing Authority and these rates shall not be
increased without an order in writing by the Licensing Authority permitting
such increase. (e)
Every tickets shall be torn into two
parts at the time of admission, one part thereof shall be retained by the
gatekeeper the other part remaining with the holder. Every
licensee shall at all time keep and maintain full and up-to-date sets of
records showing sale of tickets in each show and their rate showing separately
the taxes and faces realised and shall produce on demand all such records for
inspection by an Officer deputed for the purpose by the Licensing Authority. (a)
In order to secure the safety of the
audience, the licensee or some responsible agent or manager duly conversant
with the rules and nominated by him in writing for the purpose shall be
incharge during the whole time of any exhibition and he shall be specially
instructed by the licensee or such agent or manager as to their respective
duties, in particular in relation to the carrying out of the requirements of
these rules. Sufficient
number of attendants shall remain on duty during the whole time that the
premises are open to the public. (b)
All persons responsible for or
employed in connection with the exhibition shall take due precautions for the
prevention of accidents and shall abstain from any act whatever which tends to
cause fire and is not reasonably necessary for the purpose of the exhibition.
The license or the agent or manager nominated by him in writing as aforesaid
shall see that the operators and every other persons who may be called upon to
handle inflammable film within the building for any purpose are fully
instructed as to the dangers arising from the use of inflammable film, the
precautions to be observed to prevent risk of ignition and the steps to be
taken in the event of a film smouldering or catching fire. (a)
In addition to the normal means of
entrance to the auditorium, emergency exits shall be provided to the
satisfaction of the Licensing Authority, These shall be at least two such
emergency exit. (b)
Two separate exits shall be provided
to every floor or gallery and no stairway shall discharge into a passage or
corridor against or across the direction of the exit; provided that the
Licensing Authority may accept any other arrangements which are likely to
ensure adequate safety. (c)
Every exit from the auditorium shall
provide a clear opening space of not less than 7 feet height and 5 feet wide. (d)
All doors shall open outwards and
there shall be no type of fastening on any door liable to become slipped,
dropped or secured during the performance. If
the doors be secured by locks, the lock shall be opened and the key removed
during performance. (e)
The door when opened shall be such as
not to obstruct the exit passage way on the outside. (f)
There shall be no steps in such
doorways nor shall any batten, carpet or other object be so placed at or near
any doorway as to be likely to cause stumbling. (g)
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 5 feet wide and then shall be no recesses or
projection in the walls of such passages, gangways or corridors within 5 feet
of the ground. (h)
The word "Exit" or its
vernacular equivalent shall be conspicuously fixed on the auditorium side of
each doorway. Unless
the subdued lighting of the auditorium during performances referred to in this
Rules is sufficient to make these notices clearly visible, each notice shall be
lit by a special light to the satisfaction of the Licensing Authority. (a)
The seating in the building shall be
arranged so that there is free access to exits. (b)
No part of the auditorium shall
provide accommodation exclusive of passages, at a higher scale than 20 persons
per 100 square feet. (c)
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. (d)
In all cases, there shall be a vacant
space of atleast one feet between the back of one feet between the back of one
seat and the front of the seat immediately behind measured between
perpendiculars. (e)
The distance between the screen and
the front row of the seat should not be less than 18 feet. (1)
A clear passage of 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 or more feet distant from the
passage or gangway measured in the line of seating. The
central passage or gangway shall be atleast 4 feet wide and those at the sides
shall be atleast 3 feet wide each. (2)
Where possible, gradients or inclined
places shall be used instead of steps but no gradients or inclined plans shall
be sleeper than 1 in 10. (a)
There shall be at least 2 stairways
each not less than 4 feet wide to provide access to any gallery or upper floor
in the building which is intended for use by the public. (b)
All stair cases shall be constructed
entirely of bricks, stones, cement, or concrete with fire-resisting roof and
ceiling and shall have solid square (as distinguished from spandrill) steps and
landings of approved stone of such other fire-resisting materials and
construction as may be approved by the Licensing Authority with treads not less
than 11" (inches high) and with risers of not more than 6" (inches)
high (each lapping atleast) one inch over the back edge of the steps below it)
in flights of not more than 15 or less than 3 steps. (c)
The treads and risers of steps on each
flight shall be of uniform width and height. (d)
A continuous hand rail shall be fitted
to each side of stairways. (a)
Such arrangements shall be made for
the parking of motor cars and other vehicles in the vicinity of the buildings
as the Licensing Authority may require. (b)
No vehicle shall be parked or allowed
to stand in such a way as to obstruct exits or impeded the rapid dispersal of
the persons accommodated in the building in the event of fire or panic. (a)
In every license placed shall be kept
such number of chemical extinguishers, fire-buckets, hand pumps, blanket and
other small fire appliances as the Licensing Authority shall direct. The
License shall comply with all directions issued by the Licensing Authority for
the purpose of safeguarding the public in case of fire. (b)
All fire extinguishing appliances
shall at all times be maintained in proper working order and available for instant
use and all chemical fire-extinguishers shall be capable of withstanding
pressure of not less than 250 lbs, per square inch. (c)
During an exhibition, all
fire-extinguishing appliances shall be in-charge of some person or persons
specially nominated for this purpose. Such persons need not be employed
exclusively looking after the fire appliances but they must not be given any
other work during an exhibition which would take them away from the building or
otherwise prevent them from being immediately available in case of danger or
alarm fire. (d)
The building shall provided with an
efficient lighting conductor. (a)
The premises shall be sufficiently
ventilated to the satisfaction of the Licensing Authority. The auditorium shall
be thoroughly ventilated between performances. (b)
Unless the auditorium is
air-conditioned the means of ventilation shall take the form of natural
ventilation and power driven exhaust fans suitably located and of adequate size
for the purposes intended. (c)
Where natural ventilation is provided
by windows or skylights which have to be darkened or obscured free permanent
top ventilations shall be arranged by means of ridge or ceiling ventilators.
The clear opening of such ventilators shall not be less than 1 square foot for
every 10 persons that can be accommodated. (a)
The premises shall be maintained in a
clean condition and the auditorium shall be swept and cleaned between
performance. (b)
Spittoons: - The
cinema hall shall be provided with a sufficient number of spittoons in suitable
places for the use of the public. The spittoons shall contain a strong
disinfectant and shall be emptied as often as necessary. Notices for using such
spittoons shall be displayed in prominent parts of the cinema. (c)
Sanitary accommodation:- Urinals
and private accommodation on the scale given below for the seating
accommodation of the auditorium and the staff shall be provided separately for
each sex with a minimum of one urinal place or utensil or every fifty person of
each sex and one privy for every hundred persons of each sex for whom seating
accommodation is provided. In calculating the number of convenience required
under this rule, any number of persons less than 50 shall be reckoned as one
hundred and fifty respectively. Provided
that a minimum of one urinal place or utensil and one privy shall be provided
for each sex on every premises and there shall be displayed in a conspicuous
position a sign or a notice in English and in the vernacular indicating the sex
for which the convenience is provided. (i)
the design and description of every
sanitary convenience in the premises shall be such as may be approved by the
Public Works Department and the Public Health Department and its construction
and situation shall be subject to the approval of the Licensing Authority. (ii)
The site or situation of every
sanitary convenience shall be such that no effluvia therefrom can rise within
the rooms of the premises. (iii)
No sanitary convenience shall
communicate with any room except through the open air or through an intervening
air space. (iv)
Every sanitary convenience shall be
under cover and so partitioned off as to secure privacy and shall have proper
door fastenings. The
cinematograph machine shall be placed in a permanent enclosure. Such enclosure
shall be at least 10 feet in height internally from floor to roof. If one
machine is to be operated the floor space shall not be less than 63 square
feet. If more than one machine is to be operated therein an additional 36
square feet shall be provided for each additional machine. The enclosure
containing the cinematograph machine, in these rules referred as "the
enclosure" shall be substantially constructed of fire-resisting materials. The
entrance to the enclosure shall be through a closely fitting self closing door
of fire resisting materials suitably placed and opening outwards and all
openings, bushes and points shall be constructed and maintained as to prevent
the escape of any smoke into the auditorium. This door shall be kept closed at
all time when not used for aggress or egress. Channels of ventilation shall not
be allowed to communicate direct with the auditorium. The enclosure in which
the machine is being operated shall be provided with an opening or vent flue in
its roof or upper part of its side wall leading to the outdoor air. The vent
flue shall have a minimum sectional of 50 square inches and shall be
fire-proof: Provided
that when the enclosure is so built that it may be constructed to open directly
on the outside of a building through a window, such window shall be permitted
for the comfort of the operators but such enclosure shall not be exempted from
the requirements of the installation of a vent flue (as prescribed above). The
enclosure shall, unless this requirement is expressly waived in the license be
so played as to be outside the main building forming the auditorium and where
such auditorium consists of a structure of a temporary or non-permanent. Character
the enclosure shall be at a distance of not less than 3 feet from such
structure. A space of 2 feet in width at the sides and in the front of the
enclosure and a space of 6 feet at the part in which the door is situated shall
respectively be kept clear all round the enclosure. The door shall where
possible, be at the back of the enclosure. In
the front face of the enclosure there shall not be more than three openings per
projector of which the one for each projector beam must not exceed eight inches
square. Each shall be protected by a sheet of strong plate glass permanently
fixed into the wall of the enclosure. Vertical falling steel shutters shall be
fixed on the enclosure side of each of those windows in such a way that they
can be instantly released by the operator in case of need. In addition, an
automatic thermostatically or electricity controlled releasing device may be
fitted but such device shall not prevent emergency hand operation nor the hand
operated devices prevent automatic release. Such falling shutters shall also be
operable by hand from the outside of the enclosure. No
unnecessarily combustible material shall be allowed within the enclosure and
all necessary combustible material, films, etc., except a film which is being
passed through the lantern, shall be placed in an approved fire-proof box. The
latter shall be kept closed at all times except when it is necessary to obtain
or replace a film. Films which are being used at an exhibition shall be kept in
the enclosure but in no case shall a quantity of a film in excess of 80 lbs. Be
kept at one time in such enclosure, any excess being stored until required, in
a separate place licensed under Explosive Rules. No
smoking materials, matches or naked lights of any kind shall be permitted
within the enclosure or rewinding room. Notice to this effect shall be posted
conspicuously at every door of these enclosure and rooms. A 'No Admission to
the Public' Notice shall also be similarly displayed. Two
liquid chemical extinguishers, two buckets of sand, two buckets of water and a
blanket shall be kept inside the enclosure. A large sponge shall be kept in one
of the buckets of water. One liquid chemical extinguisher shall also be kept
immediately outside each door to the enclosure. The
management and the cinematograph operators shall take all due precautions for
the prevention of accidents and shall abstain from any act whatever which tends
to cause fire and is not reasonable necessary for the purposes of the
exhibition, no unauthorised person shall be allowed in the enclosure. The
enclosure shall be kept clean and a metal bin shall be provided for waste are
carbons. The
cinematograph machine shall be place on firm supports of fire-resisting
materials. The
body of the cinematograph shall either be constructed of metal or lined with
metal or lined with metal and asbestos, in which case there must be an air
space between the metal and the asbestos lining. The bottom of the
cinematograph machine must form a metal tray which shall be surrounded by a
vertical edge at least one inch in depth. The
cinematograph machine shall be provided with a metal shutter which can be
readily inserted between the source of light and the film gate. This shutter
shall be immediately dropped in the event of any accident to the cinematograph
machine or stoppage of the film and shall only be raised when the film is in
motion for the purpose of projection. 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 downward from the light opening. Each
cinematograph machine shall be fitted with two metal film boxes which shall be
of substantial construction and not more than 18" inches in diameter
measured internally. The film shall be made to travel from one box to the
other. The boxes shall be so constructed as to close in a manner which will
prevent the ingress of the spool. Spools
shall be chain or gear driven and films shall be so wound upon spools that the
wound film shall not at any time reach or project beyond the edge of the
flanges of the spool. All
rewinding of films shall be done in a room apart from the enclosure and
auditorium having no opening into the wall communicating to the auditorium, or
public passage ways; and the same precautions as laid down for the projectors
enclosure shall apply in the rewinding room also. The absolute minimum length
of film shall be exposed at any time. The room shall be kept clean and a metal
bin with a close fitting lid provided for film cuttings. Electric lights only
shall be used in the rewinding room and any lamps in proximity to films shall
be enclosed in a stout fitting preventing breakage of the lamp-bulb. (I)
The entire electrical installation
shall conform to the relevant provisions of the Indian Electricity Act, 1910,
and the rules made there under. The layout drawing for the electrical
installation work including the switch board shall be subject to prior approval
of the Government Electricity Department. No work shall be commenced until the
sanction of the Government. No work shall be commenced until the sanction of
the Government Electricity Department has been obtained to what is purpose to
be done. (II)
The electrical installation throughout
the premises shall be subject to the inspection by an officer of competent
jurisdiction of the Department of Electricity under the powers of the Indian
Electricity Act. The instructions and directions of the officer in accordance
with requirements of the Indian Electricity Act and rules and of these rules
and of these rules will be notified in writing to the License or his agent or
manager and a copy will be sent by the officer to the Licensing Authority. I
here shall be no coils of slack electric cable within the enclosure of
rewinding room. The cables in these rooms shall be either in armoured flexible
covering or in high grade screwed steel conduit. The course of each such cable
shall be readily traced. The necessary pipes and cable shall enter through
efficiently bushed openings. All
switchgear, fuses and apparatus shall be covered in totally enclosed iron clad
casing in accordance with the standards of the Indian Standards Institution.
All such apparatus shall be thoroughly earth bonded in accordance with the
Indian Standard Code of practice for electrical wiring and fittings in
buildings. The
requirements of Rule 55 shall apply to cables and apparatus fitted within the
enclosure and rewinding room for electric lighting and also to any cable or
apparatus used to supply electrical energy, to the Sound Reproduction
Apparatus. No
electric current at a higher pressure than 250 volts shall be used within the
enclosure at anytime without the special written sanction of a competent
authority of the Department of Electricity. The
cables for the cinematograph machine shall be taken as a separate circuit from
the source of supply and from the supply side of the main fuse in the general
lighting circuit on such premises. Efficient switches and fuses shall be
inserted at the point where the supply is taken and in addition; an efficient
double pole switch shall be fitted in the cinematograph lamp circuit inside the
enclosure. No
illuminant other than electric light shall be used in a cinematograph lantern. (a)
The general lighting of the auditorium
and exit doorways and passages shall not be controlled from the enclosure, but
a duplicate lighting system may be controlled from the enclosure or a system
permitted whereby not more than ?
(one-third) of the general lighting is controlled from the enclosure, either
system to afford sufficient lighting for emergency exit of the audience. (b)
No fans, heaters or motors may be
connected to the lighting circuits. All wall plugs and sockets must be of 3 pin
type of approved Home, Office hand shield pattern and able to be plugged in one
position only. All metal clad apparatus used on the socket must be earth
bended. The system of wiring employed shall be in accordance with the Indian
Standard Code of practice for electrical wiring and fittings in buildings. (c)
Every circuit in the premises shall be
identified by its Description and Number and each Distribution Box shall
contain; affixed within its cover, an identification card by description and
number so permitting instant identification in emergency. (d)
An emergency lighting system
consisting of cloze oil lamps may be approved, provided such lamps are always
kept trimmed and burning during the whole of any performance and afford
sufficient illumination in the opinion of the competent authority of the
Department of Electricity. Each attendant shall carry an efficient electric
torch or lamp. Resistance
frames shall be made entirely of fire-resisting material and shall be so
constructed and maintained that no coil or other part shall at any time become
unduly heated. All resistances with the exception of resistances for
"effect" (dimming) purposes, or the resistance for the regulation of
the Motor Generator set for the Control of the supply to the Projector Arc, if
that resistance be of parallel type shall be placed outside the enclosure and
if inside the auditorium they shall be adequately projected by a wire guard or
other efficient means against accidental contact. They shall not be permitted
to become so heated that a piece of dry newspaper placed in contact with any
part of the resistance would ignite. The operator shall satisfy himself before
the commencement of each performance that all cables, leads, connections and
resistances are in proper order. The resistances, if not under constant
observation, shall be inspected at least once during each performance. If any
fault is detected current shall be immediately switched off and shall remain
switched off until the fault has been remedied. Not
less than three, where double machine is installed and not less than two, in
case of signal projector operators shall be engaged in manipulating the
projectors and one apprentice may be engaged for each machine. I shall be the
duty of one of the operators to take charge of the films after they have pass
over through the lantern. Each operator shall possess a certificates granted by
an officer of the Department of Electricity not below the rank of an Inspector.
Such certificate shall issued on payment of a fee of Rs. 20 and shall be valid
for one year unless sooner revoked. Provided
than an application for the renewal of an operator's certificate shall be made
at least one month before the date of the expiry of the old one, failing which
a penalty of Rs. 5 for each month of default shall be leviable in addition to
the annual renewal fee of Rs. 10. An
operator shall not be granted a certificate unless:- I.
he possesses a minimum general
education up to class VIII standard and has completed two years apprentice
training in operation of Projector machine. II.
he is thoroughly conversant with the
municipal bye-laws and other rules relating to cinematograph exhibitions and
precautions against fire; III.
he is acquainted with the most speedy
and effectively method of dealing with fire; IV.
he possesses a fair knowledge of the
elements of electric power, direct and alternating current, voltage, amperage,
etc., and in the case of muffasi operators, a working knowledge of petrol and
bill engines if such engines are over used for exhibition; V.
he is proficient in the handling,
winding, repairing and efficient cleaning of films and VI.
the certificates shall bear, affixed
upon it, a certified photograph of the holder. RULES FOR THE
LICENSING OF TEMPORARY AND TOURING CINEMAS The
Cinematograph apparatus shall have been certified to be useable without danger
by a competent authority of the Department of Electricity within a year of the
date on which the exhibition is given to the public. The
Licensing Authority may refuse a licence, or stop the operation of the licence,
for a temporary or touring cinema if in its opinion any portion of the building
or structure is in dangerous proximity to any other building. The
Licensing Authority may require an applicant for a temporary indoor cinema to
furnish such plans of the premises and such specification as it may consider
necessary. In
the case of exhibition given intent or both or in any shelter or structure composed
of, or covered with combustible materials or of a movable character, the
cinematograph apparatus shall be operated from outside such tent, both, shelter
or structure and shall be placed at a distance of at least six feet therefrom. The
auditorium shall be provided with a sufficient number of exits suitably placed
and designed to permit safe exit in case of alarm to the satisfaction of the
Licensing Authority, such exits shall be at a sufficient distance from the
location of the projector and allied apparatus, to allow exit without passing
near the projector. A
clear passage or gangway shall be kept to all such exits. No apparatus, chairs,
forms, cables or other obstacles shall be placed in such passage or gangway. Such
requirements of Rule 30 as the Licensing Authority may require shall apply to
premises used for occasional exhibitions. Without
prejudice to the generally of the foregoing rules, no tent, booth or similar
structure shall be used for the purpose of a cinematograph exhibition if it is
enclosed by a wall or walls which do not permit of adequate means of egress and
which are erected within 30º (feet) of such tent, booth or similar structure. (a) The occupier of the
premises on which the performance is to be given shall be responsible for the
observance of the requirements in Rules 5 [except clauses (b) and (c) of
sub-rule III], 20 and 21 in Part I of these Rules. (b) The provisions of the
rules in Part II of these Rules shall apply mutalis mutandis to licences for
temporary and touring cinemas. These
Rules shall be conditions of every licence and every licence shall also be
issued subject to the following conditions regarding apparatus and its
operation being observed. CONDITIONS A.
(1)
The projector and the illuminant shall be entirely closed in a casing of fire
resisting material except for such openings as are necessary for effective
manipulation and ventilation. (2)
Any electrpic wiring or terminals fitted within the casing shall be so placed
that it shall be impossible for films in user in the projector to come in
contact with them. (3)
Each electric circuit on the projector shall be fitted with a separate switch
controlled from outside the casing, and so placed as to be within reach of the
operator when standing at the projector. (4)
The heat of the illuminant, and its position in relation to the optical system,
shall be such that it is impossible for the rays of light to ignite a
stationary film. This
requirements will be considered as met if a film stationary in the film-gate
fails to ignite within a period of three minutes. B.
(1)
The projectors shall be fitted with film boxes of fire-resisting material,
which shall be made to close in such a manner and shall be fitted with
film-slots so constructed as to prevent the passage of flame to the interior of
the box. (2)
The film-boxes fitted to the projector shall be so constructed as to be easily
detachable from the apparatus. (3)
All films shall be contained in film-boxes, which shall be attachable to or
removable from the projector without being opened, so that at no time shall a
film be exposed except the portion necessary for threading up. (4)
During an exhibition, not more than three film boxes (including the two
actually attached to the projector) shall be in the enclosure or reserved space
as the case may be, any one time. If further film-boxes are required they shall
be kept in closed metal boxes outside the enclosure or reserved space as the
case may be and if in the building, in a place approved by the Licensing
Authority and subject to the prescribed requirements as to limitations of
quantity and weight. C.
(1)
All Electric conductors shall be of adequate size for the current they have to
carry and shall be efficiency covered with insulating material and shall be
either (I) place out of reach of persons in the auditorium and where they are
not liable to damage or (II) protected against injury by suitable casings. (2)
Resistance shall be made entirely of fire resisting materials and shall be so
constructed and maintained that no coil or other part at any time shall become
unduly heated. If inside the auditorium, they shall be adequately projected by
a wire guard of other efficient mean or preventing accidental contact, and
shall not be placed within reach of persons in the audience. (3)
The operator shall satisfy himself before the commencement of each performance
that all cables leads, connection, resistances and fuses are in proper working
order. The resistances, if not under constant observation, shall be inspected
at least once during each performance. If any fault is detected, current shall
be immediately switched off, and shall remain switched off until the fault has
been remedied. (4)
The projector circuit shall be independently protected by double-pole switch
and fuses properly enclosed and placed near the source of supply or the point
of connection with the general lighting supply, as the case may be. Provided
that, where the current does not exceed five amperes and the connection of the
projector circuit to the general lighting supply is made by means of a
connector as described in paragraph (5) below, such a connector tray be used in
substitution for a double-pole switch. (5)
Where the projector circuit is connected to the general lighting supply, it
shall be connected only at a point where the wires of the general lighting
supply are of ample for the current they may have to carry and the connection
shall be either by (a) securely made joints or connection or (b) a properly
constructed wall type connector of hand shield type. It shall not be connected
to any lighting fitting or by means of an adaptor to a lamp. D.
Rewinding
of Films:- No
rewinding of films shall be done within the enclosure or reserved space as the
case may be not in any rooms or space to which the public have access or in
which any illumination other than electric light in enclosed bulbs is employed.
Smoking in the vicinity when rewinding is prohibited. E.
Emergency
Lighting - An
efficient portable electric battery or torch with an efficiently protected bulb
shall be available in the reserved space and in the enclosure and the rewinding
room or space throughout the performance and previous to subsequent film
winding or rewinding process. Such
other lighting as the Licensing Authority may require shall be provided for the
safe exit in emergency of the audience in addition to the normal lighting
system installed in the premises. F.
Location
of Projector and Allied Apparatus (1) No portable apparatus
shall be so placed in any auditorium or communicating passage way as to
interfere with entrance and exit of the audience no so that any ignition of
film might prevent safe exit. (2) The projector shall
be placed on a firm support Amateur Standard Apparatus. No projector other than
an Amateur size projector shall be used on any premises within the auditorium
unless provided with either a permanent or temporary enclosure. (3) (i) Reserved Space - If
such an amateur size projector be worked without an enclosure, it shall be
situated within a space known as the "Reserved Space" into which no
person other than the operators shall be allowed during an exhibition. This
space shall be ample for the operators and the necessary apparatus and safety
utensils. (ii)
Fire precautions in reserved space with Amateur Standard Projector.- One
bucket of sand, one bucket of water and a blanket shall be kept within the
reserved space. A
large sponge shall be kept in the bucket of water. No naked light or any light
other than an efficiently protected electric bulb light, no matches or smoking
materials shall be within the reserved space. (4) Full sixed apparatus:
- Such
apparatus - Usually
36 M/M width or cover - shall,
if placed within the auditorium or in any portion of the premises or where
persons other than the operators resort during performances, only be used
within the approved type of permanent enclosure for permanent cinemas or within
the temporary enclosure of condition G. below. Provided
that the operation of full sized apparatus shall not be permissible from a
verandah of a building under the following conditions:- (i) The verandah be of
fire-resisting material in any part within ten feet of the apparatus. (ii) No persons other than
the operators are allowed on the verandah within ten feet of the apparatus. The
area so formed shall be a reserved space. (iii) The doorway, window
or other aperture through which the beam of light is projected be securely
closed throughout the exhibition with a fire-resisting screen in which shall be
not more than two orifices for the operation of the apparatus. Such orifices
shall not be large than 8" to 8", and each shall be provided with a
stout sheet of glass further protected by a falling shutter of fire-resisting
material in such; way that each can be instantly released by the operator in
case of need. (iv) Any other doorway,
window or aperture within ten feet of the apparatus be entirely blocked with a
fire-resisting screen in which there shall be no openings of any description. (v) If a doorway are
blocked under the provisions of sub-clauses (iii) and (iv) above, there shall
be available other doorways in sufficient number and so placed as to ensure
ready entrance and exit of the audience from the auditorium. (vi) Fire precautions at
the projector:- No
drapery and no unprotected combustible materials other than such materials as
may compose the floor shall be within ten feet of the cinematograph; nor shall
naked lights, matches or smoking utensils or tobacco be taken within the
reserved space of (ii) above. Two chemical fire extinguishers, two buckets of
water, one of which shall contain a large sponge and a blanket shall be kept at
the projector. G.
Temporary
Enclosure: - The
requirements for a temporary enclosure are as follows:- (1) Construction: - A
smoke proof box constructed of sheet iron or steel on a substantial frame work
and securely fastened together. The internal height from floor to roof shall be
at least 8 feet. If one machine is to be operated the floor space shall not be
less than 48 square feet. If more than one machine is to be operated therein an
additional 24 square feet shall be provided for each additional 24 square feet
shall be provided for each additional machine. The enclosure shall be otherwise
itself conform in every other respect to a permanent enclosure: Provided
that, if the temporary enclosure be kept in "Situ" or stored on the
premises and does not travel with a portable apparatus thereby avoiding risk of
breakage, such enclosure, may be asbestos sheeting or other approved type of
fire-resisting frame work. (2) Electrical and other
accessory apparatus:- All
apparatus situated therein shall similarly conform to that in a permanent
enclosure, subject to such apparatus being of a portable and not of a permanent
fixed nature. (3) General Working: - The
requirements regarding care in working, Fire-fighting appliances, prohibition
of inflammable materials, lights, matches, smoking utensils, film rewinding and
admission of the public prescribed for permanent enclosure in permanent,
cinemas shall apply to temporary enclosure for occasional exhibitions. The
license of touring cinemas may shift the venue of the exhibition from place to
place after giving due intimation of his programme and itinerary in advance to
the Licensing Authority provided that all the rules and safety requirements are
duly observed. Where
the shows are held by the manager of industrial concerns for the benefit of
labour in industrial areas or by academic or cultural institutions the rates of
admission shall be nominal and such shows shall not be utilised by the Licensed
for making profit. (1) The Licensing
Authority may at its discretion revoke or suspends the license granted to any
cinema within its jurisdiction if it is satisfied:- (a) that the license was
obtained through fraud or misrepresentation; or (b) that the License has
committed a breach of any of the provisions of the Act or the rules made there
under or any conditions or restriction contained in the License or of any
direction issued under sub-section (2) of Section 5 of the Act; or (c) that the building and
installation are not maintained in proper order; or (d) that the cinema is
used or conducted in a manner prejudicial to the public interest. (2) Appeal under Section
9 of the Act:- Where
the order suspending, cancelling or revoking a license older the proceeding of
clause has been passed by a Licensing Authority any person aggrieved by the
order may, within the period of prescribed under Section 9 of the Act prefer an
appeal on payment of fees of Rs. 40 and Rs. 3 for each of Licenses respectively
to the State Government which may pass such order as it thinks fit. The order
of the State Government shall be final. Exemption
for existing cinema house. The Licensing Authority may in individual cases
exempt any permanent cinema house which has been in existence before the
commencement of these Rules from any provision of these Rules which he may find
after due enquiry, to be not practicable to be complied with. [1] As per provision of
sub-section (2) of Section f1 of the Meghalaya Adaptation of Laws and Order
(No. 03) 1973. [2] The Assam Cinemas
(Regulation) Act, 1953, as adapted by the Meghalaya Adaptation of Laws and
Orders (No. 03) of 1973. [3] Amended Vide
Meghalaya Cinema (Regulation) Amendment) Rules 1987. [4] Inserted vide
Meghalaya Cinema (Regulation) (Amendment) Rule 1987. [5] Vide notification No.
GEN. 13/62/72, dated 1st September, 1969. [6] Amended vide
Meghalaya Cinema (Regulation) (Amendment) Rule. 1990. [7] Amended vide
Meghalaya Cinema (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules 1999. [8] Amended vide
Meghalaya Cinema (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 1980. [9] Amended vide
Meghalaya Cinema (Regulation) (Amendment) Rule. 1990. [10] Amended vide
Meghalaya Cinema (Regulation) (Amendment) Rule. 1990. [11] Amended vide
Meghalaya Cinema (Regulation) (Amendment) Rule. 1990. [12] Amended vide
Meghalaya Cinema (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules 1999. [13] Deleted vide
Notification No. GA-196/79/3, dated 24th March 1980. [14] Amended vide Notification No.GCN.13/62/15, dated 17th
December 1962. MEGHALAYA CINEMAS (REGULATION), RULES
PREAMBLE