Overview
- The Delhi government notified the new Standard Operating Procedure on Monday, August 17, 2026, launching an end-to-end online licensing route for cinema halls and multiplexes through the e-District portal.
- The SOP replaces separate, sequential NOCs from police, fire, municipal, water, electricity and health agencies with one coordinated inspection by a District Inspection Committee and a final decision by a District Licensing Committee.
- The process is time-bound: applications face initial scrutiny within seven working days, DIC inspections within 45 days, and the DLC must decide within 30 days of the inspection report, with an automatic licence issued if the DLC misses its deadline and the DIC finds full compliance.
- Safety and enforcement remain codified in the SOP through annual joint inspections, surprise checks, two mock drills a year, e-signed geotagged inspection reports, a portal grievance system, and powers to suspend or cancel licences; the police will no longer issue cinematograph licences.
- The government said the SOP, first finalised in 2015 but not implemented by the previous administration, should reduce delays and regulatory friction for multiplex and mall operators and could speed the opening of new screens in Delhi.