GS Paper I – Society
What is the Censor Board?
The Censor Board refers to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
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Established under: Cinematograph Act, 1952
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Headquarters: Mumbai
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Function: Regulates the public exhibition of films under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
Structure of CBFC
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Chairperson: Appointed by the Central Government.
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Board Members: Include eminent persons from various fields.
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Advisory Panels: Assist in film certification at regional offices.
Categories of Film Certification
| Certificate | Description |
|---|---|
| U | Unrestricted Public Exhibition |
| UA | Parental Guidance for children below 12 |
| A | Restricted to adult audiences |
| S | Restricted to specialized groups (e.g., doctors, scientists) |
Key Functions of the CBFC
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Examine films before release.
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Suggest modifications or cuts if the content is found objectionable.
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Ensure films adhere to morality,
Recent Developments (as of 2025)
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decency, and public order.
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Certify films under relevant categories.
Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023
Key Provisions:
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Introduced permanent certification for films (no expiry for certificates).
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Empowered the government to re-certify films for TV or OTT.
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Introduced anti-piracy provisions – penalizes unauthorized recording in cinema halls.
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Allowed CBFC to re-examine certified films if needed (highly criticized).
Controversies & Issues
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Accusations of moral policing and censorship.
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Criticism from filmmakers over lack of creative freedom.
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Increasing clash between freedom of expression (Art. 19(1)(a)) and reasonable restrictions (Art. 19(2)).
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Questions over the board’s autonomy and political influence.
Recent CBFC Decisions in News
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CBFC asked for cuts in films addressing communal violence, political satire, and LGBTQ+ content.
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Several films cleared by CBFC were later challenged in courts, raising issues of double scrutiny.
Supreme Court Stand
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The Supreme Court has often upheld artistic freedom while balancing public morality.
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In Prakash Jha Productions v. Union of India (2011), the Court ruled that mere ideological disagreement isn’t a ground for censorship.
CBFC vs OTT Platforms
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OTT platforms are currently regulated by the IT Rules, 2021, not by CBFC.
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Ongoing debate about bringing OTT content under CBFC or a separate certification mechanism.