CBFC Revises Film Certification Rules, Anti-Drug Warnings Made Mandatory
New Delhi: India’s film certification framework has been revised, with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) introducing mandatory anti-drug warnings in films that depict the consumption, use or trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting notified the revised guidelines on September 16 under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. The changes update the certification framework issued in 1991 and retain restrictions on violence, sexual content, public order, communal harmony, national security and India’s relations with other countries.
Under the new rules, films showing drug-related activities must display the warning: “Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs.” The provision aims to ensure that depictions of substance use are not interpreted as its promotion or glorification.
The revised framework also continues the age-based U/A categories of U/A 7+, U/A 13+ and U/A 16+. These classifications are intended to help parents and guardians make informed decisions about films viewed by children and teenagers.
The guidelines further caution against the glorification of violence, criminal activities and anti-social behaviour. Content involving sexual violence, child abuse, cruelty to animals, obscenity or material degrading women may receive closer scrutiny during the certification process.
The rules also restrict content that could threaten public order, promote hostility between communities, undermine India’s sovereignty and integrity, or damage relations with friendly foreign countries.
The changes coincide with the Centre’s reconstitution of the CBFC with an 18-member board for a three-year term or until further orders. The board is headed by Shashi Shekhar Vempati and includes film personalities such as Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi, Suniel Shetty, Priyadarshan, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Pallavi Joshi and musician Ricky Kej.
The revised framework is expected to provide clearer guidance to filmmakers while strengthening age-based viewing information and responsible treatment of sensitive subjects.
