I&B Ministry notifies new film certification guidelines for CBFC, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has notified new film certification guidelines for the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
• The revised guidelines mandate a disclaimer or statutory warning for scenes depicting the use, consumption, or trafficking of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances.
• New age-based categories, UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+, have been introduced under the UA (Unrestricted Public Exhibition With Parental Guidance) certification.
• These changes are in line with the Cinematograph Rules, 2024, aiming to provide better age-appropriate content classification.

Detailed Insights:

• The specific warning required for drug-related scenes is 'Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment, Say No to Drugs'.
• The UA categories enable parents or guardians to make informed decisions regarding the suitability of film content for their children.
• The guidelines reinforce that anti-social activities, violence, and criminal modus operandi should not be glorified or depicted in a manner that incites offense.
• They also discourage the needless presentation of children involved in violence or child abuse, and the ridicule of disabled persons or cruelty to animals.
• These updates aim to promote responsible content creation and exhibition, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable sections of society.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC): A statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting responsible for regulating the public exhibition of films in India.
• UA Certification: A film classification category indicating unrestricted public exhibition with parental guidance advised for children below a certain age.
• Cinematograph Rules, 2024: Regulations framed under the Cinematograph Act that govern various aspects of film certification and exhibition in India.