Delhi moves cinema hall licences to a single online process

Cinema hall and multiplex operators in Delhi will no longer need to collect separate no-objection certificates from multiple departments before seeking a licence. Under a new government SOP, applications, fee payments, inspections, decisions and issuance of the Form B licence will move to the e-District Delhi portal.

A District Inspection Committee, headed by the sub-divisional magistrate, will carry out joint inspections and submit one e-signed, geotagged verification report. A District Licensing Committee, led by the deputy commissioner (revenue) or district magistrate, will take the final decision. Its members will include officials from the police, fire department, municipal corporation or DDA engineering wing, Delhi Jal Board and district medical office.

Initial application scrutiny must be completed within seven working days. Inspections are due within 45 days, followed by a licensing decision within 30 days of the inspection report. If a fully compliant application is not decided in time, the portal can generate the licence automatically; this does not apply where safety or statutory requirements are unmet.

Cinema halls will also face annual joint inspections, surprise checks and two mock drills each year involving police, the DDMA and cinema management. Police will no longer issue cinematograph licences under the new system.