MUMBAI: The films, serials and other multimedia contents transmitted, broadcast or exhibited through internet platforms an donline streaming platforms like Hotstar, Amazon Prime, Netflix and Alt Digital, cannot be regulated under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday held the order while rejecting a plea made in a public interest litigation (PIL), according to a report in The Hindu.  

The petition was filed by a Bengaluru resident Padmanabh Shankar which was heard by a division bench comprising chief justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and justice Mohammad Nawaz.

The division bench said that he act of exhibition of films, serials and other content perhaps amounts to transfer of files based on requests by users as per  the concept of internet and its operation. Hence, transfer of files or films, serials through the internet can not come under the purview of Cinematograph Act.

However, the bench said that it hopes that the union government will find a solution in public interest within the four corners of the law if the petitioner submits a representation seeking regulation of content of online streaming platforms.