New Delhi: Delhi govt has overhauled the licensing process for cinema halls and multiplexes, scrapping the existing system of obtaining separate no-objection certificates (NOCs) from multiple departments and introducing a single-window, district-level mechanism with fixed timelines for approvals. The new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) removes police licensing powers and replaces the old system with a transparent, time-bound, technology-driven district-level process ensuring safety and accountability.Under the new SOP, the entire process — from application and fee payment to inspection, decision and issuance of the licence — will be conducted online through the e-District Delhi portal.The system has provisions for two committees at the district level. The District Inspection Committee (DIC), headed by the sub-divisional magistrate, will include senior officers from police, fire department, engineering wings of the municipal corporation/DDA, Delhi Jal Board and the district medical officer, among other departments concerned. The new SOP will replace the earlier Delhi Police Standing Orders governing the matter. The committee will conduct a joint inspection of cinema halls and upload an integrated, e-signed and geotagged verification report on the portal. The District Licensing Committee (DLC), headed by the deputy commissioner (revenue)/district magistrate, will make the final decision on grant or renewal of the licence, according to the chief minister’s office.Under the new arrangement, the technical and safety responsibilities of the respective departments will continue, but their inputs will be incorporated into a single inspection report rather than being obtained separately.The govt has fixed timelines for every stage. Initial scrutiny of an application will have to be completed within seven working days, the inspection within 45 days and DLC will have to make a decision within 30 days of receiving the inspection report.In case DLC fails to decide within the prescribed period, a licence will be automatically generated on the portal if the inspection report establishes full compliance with all statutory and safety requirements. The automatic approval provision, however, will not apply where mandatory statutory or safety norms have not been met.CM Rekha Gupta said, “The new system aims to eliminate unnecessary delays in the licensing process and address coordination issues between different departments by providing applicants with a clear, accountable and technology-driven mechanism.”The govt has also retained safety-related checks under the new system, and annual inspections and safety mock drills will be carried out. The SOP provides for suspension and cancellation of licences where public safety is found to be at risk.
