Big Changes In Censor Certification

The central government recently proposed to amend the Cinematograph Act of 1952 with provisions that will give the Centre “revisionary powers” and “re-examine” films already censored by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). As per the latest reports, the Indian Cinematography Amendment Bill 2021 has been passed. Multiple changes will be reflected in the process of censoring the films.

The central government has added a new point to the draft saying, that the government will have the power to reverse the decision of the Censor Board in some extreme situations. The government also abolished the Film Certificate Appellate Tribunal which gives a chance to the filmmakers to appeal against the certificate granted to their film.

Usually, the films are certified in three categories as U, U/A, and A.

U – Unrestricted public exhibition
U/A- Requires parental guidance for children under 12
A – Only for Adults

But, the latest draft proposes to divide the categories into age-based groups. U/A censor-certified films divided into 3 categories based on age.

U/A 7+
U/A 13+
U/A 16+

This classification echoes the new IT rules for streaming platforms.