Dramatic Performances Act, 1876

This is a very old law, from 1876, that gives government the power to control public stage performances, and it applies throughout Pakistan. Section 3 lets the Provincial Government, or a Magistrate it authorises, prohibit any play, pantomime or drama it considers scandalous or defamatory, likely to incite disaffection against the government, or likely to deprave or corrupt the audience; a 'public place' for this purpose includes any venue where the public is admitted on payment. Section 4 allows the prohibition order to be served on performers, owners or occupiers, and anyone who disobeys it can be imprisoned for up to three months, or fined, or both.

Section 6 sets the same penalty, up to three months' imprisonment or a fine or both, for anyone who takes part in a prohibited performance, helps stage it, deliberately attends as a spectator, or allows their premises to be used for it after the order has been notified. Section 7 lets the government demand information about a planned performance from its author, printer, or venue owner, with refusal treated as an offence under Section 176 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Section 8 allows a Magistrate to issue a warrant for police to enter a suspected venue, arrest those present, and seize scenery, costumes or other items connected with the performance.

Section 9 preserves separate prosecutions for sedition (Penal Code Section 124A) or obscenity (Section 294). Section 10 lets the government require a performance licence in any local area it designates, and require advance submission of the script or its summary at least three days before the show, with the same penalty for disobedience. Section 12 exempts jatras or similar performances held at religious festivals from the whole Act.