Why in the News?
- The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting notified the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, replacing the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983.
Key Aspects of Film Certification in India
- Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), a statutory body, regulates public exhibition of films.
- CBFC operates under the Cinematograph Act, 1952 with nine regional offices.
- The Supreme Court’s ruling in S. Rangarajan vs P. Jagjivan Ram (1989) upheld prior film certification as necessary.
Key Features of the 2024 Rules
- Women’s representation – 1/3rd of CBFC members must be women.
- New Age-Based Classification – The UA (Unrestricted with Caution) category is subdivided further.
- Perpetual validity – Film certificates no longer expire after 10 years.
- Recertification for TV – Only films certified as U (Universal) can be telecast without modifications.
Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023 – Key Provisions
- Anti-piracy measures – Unauthorized film recording and exhibition is now a punishable offense.
- Online piracy concerns – The law does not effectively address foreign-based film piracy.
- Content Regulation Issues – OTT platforms remain outside CBFC regulation.
Way Forward
- Stronger anti-piracy laws with global cooperation.
- Clear content guidelines balancing freedom of expression and public concerns.
