The Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information and Culture has approved a bill proposing up to six months in jail and fines of up to Rs. 1 million for unauthorized stage performances.
The Punjab Dramatic and Theatrical Performances Bill 2026 aims to replace the nearly 150-year-old Dramatic Performances Act of 1876 and introduce stricter regulations for public entertainment.
Under the proposed law, organizers would be required to 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 also requires all artists, directors, crew members, and makeup professionals to register with the relevant authorities. Unregistered individuals would not be allowed to participate in stage productions.
To prevent vulgarity, defamation, anti-state material, and sectarian content, district monitoring teams and censorship committees would be authorized to inspect dress rehearsals and monitor performances through live or recorded electronic feeds.
Organizers would also have 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 result in administrative penalties and legal proceedings before a first-class judicial magistrate.
The proposed 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.
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