CBFC ISSUES REVISED GUIDELINES FOR FILM CERTIFICATION
I. Introduction
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (“MIB”) has notified the revised guidelines for Certification of Films for Public Exhibition under Section 5B(2) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952. The revised Guidelines supersede the framework notified vide S.O. 836(E) dated 6 December 1991, marking the first comprehensive revision of the film certification guidelines in nearly 35 years. The revised Guidelines were notified on 16 September 2026 and were subsequently published on the MIB website on 18 September 2026.
The revised framework largely retains the existing principles governing film certification while introducing a specific statutory warning requirement in relation to the depiction of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and reiterating the existing age-based UA markers.
II. Key Highlights
1. Mandatory Warning for Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
Films depicting or involving the consumption, use or trafficking of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances are required to carry a prescribed on-screen warning:
“Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs.”
This constitutes the principal new compliance requirement under the revised framework. The earlier Guidelines restricted the glorification or justification of drug addiction but did not prescribe a specific statutory warning.
2. Restrictions on Violence and Criminal Conduct
The revised Guidelines retain restrictions on content that glorifies, dehumanises or desensitises audiences to violence. Depiction of criminal modus operandi and content likely to incite the commission of offences remain subject to scrutiny. Restrictions concerning the depiction of children in connection with violence, cruelty towards animals and derogatory treatment of persons with disabilities are also retained.
3. Obscenity, Vulgarity and Sexual Violence
The existing restrictions concerning vulgar, obscene or degrading content, including content degrading to women, continue to apply. Depictions of sexual violence, including rape, attempted rape and molestation, are required to be treated with restraint and, where relevant to the narrative, without graphic detail.
4. Sovereignty, National Security and Public Order
The Guidelines continue to restrict content that may call into question the sovereignty and integrity of India, endanger the security of the State or adversely affect public order or friendly relations with foreign States.
5. Communal and Anti-Scientific Content
Restrictions continue in respect of content that is communal, obscurantist, anti-scientific or contemptuous of racial or religious groups, as well as content promoting an anti-national agenda.
6. Contempt of Court and Defamation
The certification framework continues to address content amounting to contempt of court and defamation of individuals or groups.
7. Creative Freedom and Contextual Assessment
The revised framework continues to recognise artistic and creative expression and requires films to be assessed having regard to their context, including the era in which the film is set, while maintaining the statutory standards applicable to certification.
8. Age-Based UA Markers
The Guidelines continue to recognise the UA 7+, UA 13+ and UA 16+ markers. These were introduced under the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 and are therefore not a new certification category introduced in 2026.
III. Reconstitution of the CBFC
Separately, on 16 September 2026, the Government reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (“CBFC”) with 18 members for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier, under Section 3(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 read with Rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.
The reconstituted Board comprises individuals from the film, television, music and wider creative sectors. Shashi Shekhar Vempati is the Chairperson of the CBFC.
IV. Key Compliance Considerations
For producers, production houses and other stakeholders involved in the public exhibition of films, the revised framework warrants particular attention to:
i. incorporation of the prescribed anti-narcotics warning wherever applicable;
ii. continued compliance with restrictions concerning violence, obscenity, sexual violence, communal content and national security;
iii. appropriate application of the applicable UA age marker; and
iv. review of films currently undergoing certification to ensure alignment with the revised Guidelines.
V. Conclusion
The 2026 Guidelines represent the first comprehensive replacement of the film certification framework notified in 1991. While the revised framework substantially retains the existing certification principles, it introduces a specific statutory warning requirement concerning the depiction of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and continues the age-based UA markers introduced under the 2024 certification framework.
Stakeholders involved in film production, distribution and theatrical exhibition should accordingly review their existing certification and content-compliance processes and monitor further clarifications issued by the MIB or CBFC.