Punjab govt plans stricter laws for theatre and stage dramas

Under the proposed law, obtaining a licence from the relevant secretary will be mandatory for staging dramas or theatrical performances at any public venue in Punjab.

The proposed licence fee is Rs25,000, while scripts will require prior approval at a proposed fee of Rs35,000. Script Review Committees will be established to examine theatrical scripts and will be notified by the Secretary of the Information and Culture Department. Organisers will be required to submit complete scripts or performance details at least 15 days before the scheduled show.

Presenting a performance that deviates from the approved script will also be considered an offence. The bill also proposes mandatory registration for all individuals working in theatre productions.

Only registered professionals will be allowed to participate in theatrical performances, with a proposed registration fee of Rs10,000. The definition of artists under the legislation extends beyond actors to include makeup artists, costume designers, choreographers, producers, directors and other related professionals.

The proposed law seeks to prohibit performances deemed obscene, immoral, insulting or objectionable, as well as those that hurt religious sentiments. It also makes it mandatory for rehearsals to be presented before a censorship committee at least one day before the actual performance.

To ensure compliance, monitoring teams will be established to oversee theatre activities and submit reports of violations to the Executive Director.

Following an inquiry and hearing, administrative fines of up to Rs300,000 may be imposed for a first violation, while repeat violations could attract fines of up to Rs500,000. The bill further proposes that a theatre's licence may be suspended or cancelled if three violations are recorded within one year.

Allowing unregistered artists to perform could also lead to licence suspension or cancellation, while venues employing such artists may face sealing. Theatre organisers will additionally be required to maintain complete audio and video recordings of every performance.

Under the proposed legislation, violations could carry a punishment of up to six months' imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs1 million. Once approved and enforced, the Punjab Dramatic and Theatrical Performances Bill 2026 will replace the Dramatic Performances Act 1876, introducing a significantly stricter regulatory framework for theatre and stage productions across Punjab.