Important for GS Prelims: Governance
About
- The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB).
- It is responsible for certifying films for public exhibition in India under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 (as amended).
- Headquarters: Mumbai.
- A film cannot be publicly exhibited in India without CBFC certification.
Legal Basis
- Cinematograph Act, 1952 (amended by the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023).
- Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.
- Certification guidelines are issued by the Central Government under Section 5B of the Act.
Composition
- Consists of: Chairperson & 12–25 non-official members
- All members are appointed by the Central Government.
- Assisted by Advisory Panels at regional offices.
Film Certification Categories
| Certificate | Meaning |
| U | Unrestricted public exhibition. |
| UA 7+ | Children below 7 years require parental guidance. |
| UA 13+ | Children below 13 years require parental guidance. |
| UA 16+ | Children below 16 years require parental guidance. |
| A | Restricted to adults (18 years and above). |
| S | Restricted to a specified class of persons (e.g., doctors, scientists). |
Important Provisions of the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023
- Introduced age-specific UA categories.
- Perpetual validity of CBFC certificates (earlier valid for 10 years).
- Strengthened anti-piracy provisions, including penalties for unauthorised recording and exhibition of films.
- Aims to modernise the film certification framework.
Conclusion
- CBFC is India’s statutory film certification authority that classifies films for public exhibition under the Cinematograph Act while balancing creative expression with legal and public interest considerations.