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UPSC » Daily News Analysis ‘The Dramatic Performances Act, 1876’ : 3 March

Daily News Analysis ‘The Dramatic Performances Act, 1876’ : 3 March

Table of Content

Key Provisions:

  • Passed by the British government to curb nationalist sentiments.
  • Empowered authorities to prohibit public dramatic performances deemed scandalous, defamatory, seditious, or obscene.
  • Prohibitions & Powers of Authorities:
    • Any play, pantomime, or drama could be banned if it:
      • Was scandalous or defamatory.
      • Could excite disaffection against the government.
      • Could corrupt or deprave audiences.
    • Magistrates had the power to search and seize venues used for prohibited performances.
  • Status After Independence:
    • Declared unconstitutional in 1956 by Allahabad High Court for violating freedom of speech (Article 19(1)(a)).
    • Repealed by Parliament in 2018 under the government’s initiative to remove obsolete laws.

Article 372 of the Constitution (“Continuance in force of existing laws and their adaptation”) states that “laws in force in the territory of India immediately before the commencement of this Constitution shall continue in force therein until altered or repealed or amended by a competent legislature or other competent authority”.

Why in News?

  • The Prime Minister spoke about repealing obsolete laws, including a colonial law restricting public performances (The Dramatic Performances Act, 1876).