NEW DELHI: The Government has amended the Cable Television Networks Rules 1994 to prevent scenes of cruelty or violence towards animals. 

In a gazette notification, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry inserted a clause saying “depicts cruelty or violence towards animals in any form or promotes unscientific belief that causes harm to animals:”  

Although the Gazette Notification signed by Joint Secretary (Broadcasting) Mihir Kumar Singh is dated 19 August 2016, it was placed on the Ministry website today.

The notification also makes the relevant change in the Programme and Advertisement Codes. In August, the Shyam Benegal Committee on Film Certification had in a second report given recommendations on depiction of smoking and animal scenes which are still under consideration. 

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