Punjab Moves to Regulate Stage Shows with New Licensing and Penalty Regime
Punjab's Standing Committee on Information and Culture approves bill imposing up to six months jail and Rs1 million fine for unauthorized stage performances, replacing 150-year-old law.
The Punjab Assembly's Standing Committee on Information and Culture has approved a new bill that seeks to regulate theatrical performances across the province, introducing stricter licensing requirements and penalties for violations. The Punjab Dramatic and Theatrical Performances Bill 2026 aims to replace the nearly 150-year-old Dramatic Performances Act of 1876, which is seen as outdated and inadequate for modern public entertainment.
Under the proposed law, organizers must obtain a license from the information and culture secretary before holding any theatrical performance at a public venue. Scripts would also need to be reviewed by a designated Script Review Committee and approved by the executive director of the Punjab Council of the Arts. The bill further requires all artists, directors, crew members, and makeup professionals to register with the relevant authorities; unregistered individuals would be barred from participating in stage productions.
To curb vulgarity, defamation, anti-state material, and sectarian content, the bill empowers district monitoring teams and censorship committees to inspect dress rehearsals and monitor performances through live or recorded electronic feeds. Organizers would be required to maintain unedited audio and video recordings of each performance for at least 30 days. Violations involving unapproved scripts, unregistered performers, or unauthorized use of premises could lead to administrative penalties and legal proceedings before a first-class judicial magistrate, with punishments of up to six months in jail and fines up to Rs1 million.
The legislation also introduces licensing fees, script review charges, and artist registration fees. Those affected by official decisions would have the right to appeal through administrative channels, including to the Punjab chief secretary. The move is part of efforts to formalize the entertainment sector and ensure compliance with cultural and legal standards.
