The Madhya Pradesh government has decided to hand over powers to municipal corporations to keep a tab on multiplexes and single-screen cinemas as far as their operations are concerned. Cinema operations will henceforth be looked after by the urban development and housing department as all the rights will vest with the municipal corporations. This suggestion will be discussed in the cabinet meeting today (13th December).
Penalties for floutation of rules by multiplexes and single-screen cinemas will become tenfold. Thus far, cinemas had to pay Rs. 5,000 for flouting any rule. Henceforth, the penalty will be Rs. 50,000. The amount of daily penalty has been likewise increased from Rs. 500 to Rs. 5,000. A bill will be introduced to amend the Madhya Pradesh Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1972.