Central Board of Film Certification

*Central Board of Film

Certification**

I. Statutory Framework & Structure (GS Paper II)

• Governing Laws:
  • Cinematograph Act, 1952
  • Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983
  • Guidelines by Central Govt. (I&B Ministry)
• Mandate: Certification (not censorship) for public film exhibition.
• Structure:
  • Chairperson + 12-25 govt.-appointed members.
  • 9 Regional Offices: Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Cuttack, Guwahati.
  • Advisory Panels: Domain experts (2-year term).

II. Certification Categories

Category	Audience
U	Universal (all ages)
U/A	Parental guidance for children <12
A	Adults only
S	Special groups (e.g., doctors, farmers)

**III.Recent Controversy & Criticisms **

1. Overreach Beyond Certification:
   • Recent Case: Janaki v/s State of Kerala (2024):
     • CBFC demanded 96 cuts, citing "mythological name" (Janaki) and "inter-faith courtroom scene" as inflammatory.
     • Compromise: Only 2 cuts after legal intervention.
   • Kerala HC Rebuke: "Will you dictate which names artists use?"
2. Recurring Pattern:
   • Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016): "Lady-oriented," denied certification.
   • Padmaavat (2018): Cut for "hurting Rajput sentiments."
   • Sitaare Zameen Par (2024): Forced to add PM’s quote in disclaimer.
3. Systemic Issues:
   • Moral Gatekeeping: Prioritizing "fringe sensitivities" over artistic freedom.
   • Self-Censorship: Filmmakers alter content pre-emptively (e.g., 12: Empuraan).
   • Identity Politics: Religious/regional appeasement overriding creative expression.

IV. Reform Proposals & Committees

• Shyam Benegal Committee (2016) Recommendations:
  • CBFC should be certification body only (no cuts).
  • Transparent Process: Online tracking of applications.
  • Age-Based Categories: Align with global standards (e.g., 15+, 18+).
• Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023:
  • Introduces age-based categories (U/A 7+, U/A 13+, U/A 16+).
  • Empowers govt. to re-certify OTT films.

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