Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) notified the revised guidelines, under the Cinematograph Act, 1952 which supersedes the rules notified in December 1991.

• CBFC is a statutory body under I&B Ministry, regulating the public exhibition of films.

Key Highlights of New Guideline

• Anti-social activities (especially violence) are not glorified or justified.

• No needless scenes involving:
  • Children in violence (as victims, perpetrators or forced witnesses) or any form of child abuse.
  • Abuse or ridicule of physically/mentally handicapped persons.
  • Cruelty to or abuse of animals.
• Scenes depicting consumption, use or trafficking of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances must carry the statutory disclaimer.
• National symbols and emblems only as per the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.
• Board of Film Certification shall also ensure that the film is judged in its entirety from the point of view of its overall impacts.
• Under the new framework, the films can be certified U, UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+ or A.
• The guidelines retain existing provisions on violence, obscenity, sexual violence, communal content, national security, public order and other grounds for certification.