The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995

Summary of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995
Key Provisions
• Registration of Cable Operators: The Act requires every cable television network operator to obtain registration and operate in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the rules made thereunder.
• Programme and Advertisement Codes: All programmes and advertisements transmitted through cable television networks must comply with the Programme Code and Advertisement Code prescribed under the Act. Content that is obscene, defamatory, promotes communal disharmony, threatens national integrity, or otherwise violates the prescribed standards is prohibited.
• Technical Standards: The Act prescribes technical standards for cable television equipment and transmission to ensure quality and compatibility.
• Powers of Authorised Officers: Authorised officers are empowered to inspect cable networks, seize equipment, prohibit transmission of programmes that violate the Act, and take other enforcement measures where necessary.
• Regulation of Transmission: The Central Government may regulate or prohibit the transmission or retransmission of specified programmes or channels in the interests of sovereignty, integrity, security of the State, public order, decency, morality, or friendly relations with foreign States.
• Mandatory Transmission: The Act empowers the Central Government to require cable operators to transmit specified channels, including public service broadcasting channels, in accordance with applicable rules.
• Offences and Penalties: The Act prescribes penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for operating without registration or violating the provisions relating to programme content, advertisements, or other regulatory requirements.
• Rule-making Power: The Central Government is empowered to make rules to implement the provisions of the Act.

Legislative History:

The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995

Act Title The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995

Act Number 7 of 1995

Act ID (India Code) 199507

Presidential Assent Date March 25, 1995

Enforcement Date September 29, 1994

Nodal Ministry Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

Precedent & Historical Rationale

1. Proliferation of Unregulated Cable Networks:

o Following the economic liberalization and the opening up of Indian skies to satellite television in the early 1990s, cable television networks expanded rapidly across the country without any structured legal oversight, uniform technical standards, or regulatory control.

2. Need for Content and Operational Governance:

o In the absence of legislative oversight, there were growing concerns regarding the transmission of unverified content, lack of adherence to basic programming and advertising standards, tax evasion, and the use of substandard equipment. A comprehensive statutory framework became necessary to mandate operator registration, enforce Programme and Advertisement Codes, and safeguard public interest and cultural decorum.

Parliamentary Trajectory & Enactment

• Formulation: Initially promulgated as an Ordinance by the President in September 1994 to immediately check unregulated operations, followed by a formal Bill drafted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

• Parliamentary Passage: Introduced and passed by both Houses of Parliament during the early part of 1995, culminating in Presidential assent on March 25, 1995.

• Presidential Assent: Received Presidential Assent on March 25, 1995.

• Enforcement: Enforced on September 29, 1994.

• Source: Official Records of Parliament, India Code, and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.