Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024

The Central government recently announced the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, aimed at modernizing and improving the film certification process.

• These rules are designed to align with advancements in technology and evolving needs of the film industry in the digital age.

Key Features of the Rules:

Streamlining Certification Process:

• The rules aim to streamline and modernize film certification processes, ensuring enhanced transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business.

Age-Based Certification Categories:

• The rules introduce age-based categories of certification, subdividing the existing UA category into three age-based categories: UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+.
• These age-based markers are only recommendatory, meant to guide parents and guardians in determining whether a film is suitable for young viewers.
• The age-based certification system with UA markers aims to ensure that young viewers are exposed to age-appropriate content, balancing the need to protect vulnerable audiences, such as children, with the principles of freedom of expression and consumer choice.

Gender Representation in CBFC:

• One-third of the members in the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) will be women, with a preference for half.
• This provision aims to ensure gender diversity and representation in the decision-making process.

Expedited Certification Process:

• A new provision allows for the expedited screening of a film for certification if filmmakers feel an urgency due to prior commitments for the film’s release.

Perpetual Validity of Certificates:

• CBFC certificates will now have perpetual validity, eliminating the need for renewal every 10 years.
• Edited films for television broadcast will require recertification, as only films classified as unrestricted for public exhibition can be shown on television.

Accessibility Guidelines for Persons with Disabilities:

Inclusive Film Exhibition:

• Guidelines for the accessibility of persons with hearing and visual impairments to films have been notified by the government.
• All feature films for public exhibition in cinema halls must comply with these guidelines.

Accessibility Features:

• The guidelines ensure accessibility for both the hearing impaired and visually impaired by requiring closed captioning and audio description features in films.
• Cinema theater licensees will implement accessibility features using customized equipment, mobile apps, or other available technologies during regular shows.

Inclusivity and Representation:

• The guidelines reflect the government’s commitment to inclusivity and representation, allowing persons with disabilities to fully experience cinema.
• Compliance with these guidelines will be mandatory for films submitted to prestigious events like the National Film Awards and International Film Festival.

Oversight Committee:

• A dedicated committee, including members with hearing/visual disabilities and representatives from the film industry, will oversee implementation.
• Viewers can file complaints with theatre licensees, with the committee addressing concerns within 30 days through the licensing authority.

About CBFC:

• The CBFC is a statutory body that regulates the public exhibition of films in India, under the Cinematograph Act of 1952.
• The CBFC is part of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• Headquarters: Mumbai.

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