Old multi-NOC system scrapped, integrated district-level licensing system introduced
Single-window system to ease process for applicants, with the entire procedure to be time-bound and conducted online through the e-District portal
New system aims to provide a clear, accountable and technology-driven mechanism: CM Rekha Gupta
New Delhi, August 2026 : The Delhi Government has notified a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to make the process of issuing, renewing and inspecting cinematograph licences for cinema halls and multiplexes in the capital more transparent, accountable and time-bound. Under the new system, the long-standing practice of obtaining separate NOCs from different departments has been done away with and an integrated single-window system has been introduced. Chief Minister Smt. 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. Two dedicated committees have been constituted to make the entire process transparent and time-bound. The new SOP had been finalised in 2015, but was not implemented by the previous government.
Final licensing decision with DLC
Under the new SOP, the first committee to be constituted is the District Licensing Committee (DLC). Set up under the district administration of the Revenue Department, the DLC will take the final decision on licensing. It will be headed by the Deputy Commissioner (Revenue)/District Magistrate. The committee will include senior officers from the police, Fire Department, engineering wings of the municipal corporation/DDA, Delhi Jal Board and the District Medical Officer, among other concerned departments. The new SOP will replace the earlier Delhi Police Standing Orders governing the matter.
Under the old system, applicants had to obtain separate NOCs from various agencies, including the police, Fire Department, municipal corporation, Delhi Jal Board, electricity distribution companies and the Health Department, for a cinematograph licence. The new system does away with this multi-departmental and sequential process. The same committee will take the final licensing decision on the basis of the inspection report.
DIC to oversee inspections
The second committee under the new SOP is the District Inspection Committee (DIC). Each cinema hall will now be jointly inspected by this committee. It will comprise officers from the concerned departments. The committee will prepare an integrated, e-signed and geotagged verification report and upload it on the e-District portal. This will replace separate NOCs with a single integrated verification report. The DIC will be headed by the SDM, with the responsibilities of each member clearly defined. This will ensure that licensing decisions are taken through a clear institutional mechanism, while the technical and safety-related responsibilities of the police and other concerned departments will continue.
Time limits fixed for every stage
One of the key features of the new SOP is the time limit prescribed for every stage of the process. The initial scrutiny of an application will have to be completed within seven working days, the DIC will conduct the inspection within 45 days, and the DLC will take a decision within 30 days of receiving the inspection report. If the DLC fails to take a decision within the prescribed time limit, but the DIC report finds full compliance with all statutory and safety requirements, the licence will be automatically generated on the portal. However, this provision will not apply in cases where mandatory statutory or safety standards have not been met.
Importantly, the entire licensing process will be conducted online from start to finish through the e-District Delhi portal. The application, fee payment, inspection report, decision and issuance of the licence in Form B will all be processed online. This will spare applicants the need to visit different offices and reduce unnecessary paperwork.
Ease of process, with safety given equal priority
The Delhi Government has made it clear that simplifying the process does not mean any relaxation in safety standards. The new system provides for annual joint inspections, surprise inspections and two mock drills every year with the participation of the police, Delhi Disaster Management Authority and cinema hall management. A clear enforcement mechanism has also been put in place for suspension and cancellation of licences in cases where public safety is at risk.
The new SOP also provides for a portal-based grievance redressal system. Each district will have a designated nodal grievance redressal officer, with a prescribed time limit for resolving complaints. Serious or systemic cases can be escalated to the level of the Divisional Commissioner. Under the new process, the police will no longer have the authority to issue cinematograph licences.
Major step towards transparent, accountable and citizen-centric governance
Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta said the new SOP reflects the Delhi Government’s commitment to good governance, with better coordination between departments and accountability at every level. The new system will ensure that citizens and businesses receive services within a defined time frame while keeping public safety standards as the highest priority. She said the SOP has been issued as part of the process of complying with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court relating to the Uphaar Cinema tragedy. She said the SOP had been finalised in 2015 and could have been easily implemented by the then Aam Aadmi Party government. However, she said, it was not implemented due to its inaction and anti-Delhi mindset.
