**Executive Summary**
This document is a response to Unstarred Question No. 866 in Lok Sabha, addressing concerns about arbitrary censorship decisions by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), due on 04.02.2026. It outlines the CBFC's role in certifying films under the Cinematograph Act 1952 and related guidelines, and the Government’s commitment to transparent certification.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **CBFC Authority and Function:**
* The CBFC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
* It certifies films for public exhibition under the Cinematograph Act 1952, Cinematograph Certification Rules 2024 and related guidelines.
* **Grounds for Cuts/Modifications:**
* Cuts or modifications are only recommended if content violates statutory parameters concerning sovereignty and integrity of India, security, public order, decency, morality, defamation, contempt of court, or incitement to offence.
* **Certification Statistics:**
* The CBFC has certified 71,963 films over the last five years (2020–21 to 2024–25).
* **Appeals Process:**
* The Cinematograph Act provides for an appeal against the CBFC's order before the High Court.
* Such cases are dealt with in accordance with the outcome of judicial proceedings.
* **Government Commitment:**
* The Government is committed to maintaining a transparent and accountable certification process.
* It aims to protect creative freedom while fulfilling its obligations under the Cinematograph Act.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Filmmakers and Artists**
* **Impact:** The response clarifies the CBFC's certification process and grounds for modifications.
* **Action Required:** Filmmakers and artists should be aware of the statutory parameters that may trigger cuts or modifications to their films.
**Stakeholder: Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)**
* **Impact:** The document reiterates the CBFC's responsibilities and its adherence to the Cinematograph Act.
* **Action Required:** Ensure consistent and transparent application of censorship guidelines, adhering to statutory parameters, and upholding artistic expression.
**Stakeholder: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting**
* **Impact:** Reinforces the Ministry's oversight of the CBFC and its commitment to transparent film certification.
* **Action Required:** Continue to support and monitor the CBFC's operations, ensuring compliance with the Cinematograph Act.
Key Entities Referenced
Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC): Statutory body that certifies films for public exhibition.
Cinematograph Act 1952: The primary legislation governing film certification in India.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting: The ministry under which CBFC operates.
Cinematograph Certification Rules 2024: Rules related to film certification under the Cinematograph Act.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 866
TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.02.2026
CONCERNS REGARDING ARBITRARY CENSORSHIP DECISIONS BY CBFC
866: SHRI MANISH TEWARI:
SHRI T.R. BAALU:
Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has taken note of increasing concerns from filmmakers and artists
regarding arbitrary or inconsistent censorship decisions by the Central Board of Film
Certification (CBFC);
(b) the number of films which were subjected to major edits, delays or denial of certification
during the last five years along with the reasons for the same;
(c) the details of cases which certificates were issued in deference to court orders without any
modifications or changes insisted by CBFCs along with the action taken to avoid recurrence of
such incidents;
(d) whether any steps have been taken by the Government to ensure consistency and
transparency across regional CBFC offices to avoid subjective or politically influenced
decisions and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) whether the Government proposes to review and reform existing censorship guidelines and
digital content regulations to uphold freedom of artistic expression in Indian cinema?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(DR. L. MURUGAN)
(a) to (e): The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), a statutory body under the Ministry
of Information and Broadcasting, certifies films for public exhibition under the Cinematograph
Act 1952, Cinematograph Certification Rules 2024 and related guidelines.Cuts or modifications are recommended only if the content violates statutory parameters
concerning sovereignty and integrity of India, security, public order, decency, morality,
defamation, contempt of court or incitement to offence.
Over the last five years (2020–21 to 2024–25), CBFC has certified 71,963 films.
The Cinematograph Act provides for an appeal against the order of the Board before the High
Court. Such cases are dealt in accordance with the outcome of the judicial proceedings.
The Government is committed to maintaining a transparent and accountable certification
process, while protecting creative freedom and discharging its obligations under the
Cinematograph Act.
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