New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) Seeking to check film piracy, particularly release of pirated version of films on the internet, the Centre has proposed amending the Cinematograph Act, 1952 to insert penal provisions providing more severe punishment.

According to the proposed amendment, a person found guilty under the Act shall be punishable with imprisonment not exceeding three years and shall also be liable to pay fine not exceeding Rs 10 lakh, or both.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has invited comments from the public for the draft legislation which provides that "any person, who without the written authorisation of the copyright owner, uses any recording device to make or transmit a copy of visual recording or sound recording of a film, or attempts to make or transmit, or abet the making or transmission of such a copy, will be liable for such a punishment".

--IANS and/nir