In a move aimed at streamlining processes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has transferred the authority to grant licences for cinema halls and theatres from Delhi Police to the city government’s Revenue Department. This decision is part of a broader effort to create a more business-friendly environment in the capital.
The new system will see a committee headed by the district magistrate overseeing cinema licence approvals. This committee will include key experts such as the deputy commissioner of the respective Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) zone, a structural or building expert nominated by the Public Works Department (PWD) secretary, a fire safety expert, and an electrical systems specialist. Their collective input will guide the final licensing decisions.
Adding another layer of oversight, a representative from the District Disaster Management Authority will also be nominated by the district magistrate to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
This change follows a recent decision by the Lieutenant Governor to revoke Delhi Police’s authority over licensing for several other businesses, including swimming pools, eateries, hotels, guest houses, discotheques, video game parlours, amusement parks, and auditoriums. The shift underscores a deliberate push to simplify regulatory processes.
The formal order, issued by Raj Niwas on Friday, instructs the Delhi Police Commissioner to cease all involvement in cinematograph licence matters immediately. This marks a clear transition towards a more structured and expertise-driven approach to licensing.
For cinema hall and theatre operators in Delhi, this could mean faster approvals and a more transparent system. The inclusion of technical experts in the committee is expected to address safety and infrastructure concerns more efficiently than the previous police-led process.
The move has been welcomed by industry stakeholders who have long complained about delays and red tape under the old system. By centralising licensing under the Revenue Department, the government aims to cut through the confusion and create a single-window clearance mechanism.
This decision also aligns with broader administrative reforms being implemented in Delhi to improve ease of doing business. The LG’s office has emphasised that the focus is on reducing unnecessary bottlenecks while maintaining strict safety standards.
With this change, theatre owners can expect a more predictable and streamlined licensing process. The committee-based approach ensures that multiple perspectives are considered before granting approvals, reducing the risk of oversight or delays.
The Delhi government has not yet released detailed guidelines on how the new system will operate in practice, but officials have assured that the transition will be smooth. Cinema operators are advised to stay updated as the Revenue Department rolls out further instructions.
This shift is part of a larger trend where urban governance is being re-evaluated to better serve businesses and residents alike. By removing the police from the licensing equation, the government hopes to foster a more collaborative and efficient approval process.