CENTRAL BOARD OF FILM CERTIFICATION (CBFC) – POLITY
News: Measures will be taken: CBFC chief
says after corruption charges by actor Vishal
What's
in the news?
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The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
Chairman, Prasoon Joshi said processes would be further strengthened at the
organisational level to eliminate any third-party interference, in the wake of
corruption allegation made by actor-producer Vishal.
CBFC:
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The CBFC also known as “Censor Board” is a
statutory body.
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It grants certificates to regulate the
public exhibition of films in India under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act 1952.
Ministry: Union Ministry of
Information and Broadcasting.
Headquarters:
Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Objective:
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The mandate of CBFC is to promote
recreation, education, good and healthy entertainment to the public according
to the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and Cinematograph
(Certification) Rules, 1983.
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Films can be publicly exhibited in India only after they are certified by the CBFC.
Composition:
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The CBFC board is headed by a central government appointed chairperson
and 12-45 non-official members.
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The members are eminent persons from
social science, education, law, arts or films background.
Film
Certification:
Films are certified under
4 categories.
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“U” (unrestricted public exhibition)
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“A” (restricted to adult audiences)
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“U/A” (unrestricted public exhibition
subject to parental guidance for children below the age of twelve) and
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“S” (restricted to specialized audiences
such as doctors or scientists).
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In addition to these certifications, the
board may also refuse to certify.
Appeal
Mechanism:
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Previously, the appeals against the
decision of CBFC was filed at the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal.
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But, the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) was abolished in 2021.
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At present, filmmakers can appeal to the High Court and Supreme Court against
the CBFC decision.