MIB replaces 1991 CBFC guidelines with revised film certification rules

MUMBAI: The censor’s rulebook has a rewrite, with the government replacing the three-decade-old framework governing how films are assessed for public exhibition. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued revised guidelines for film certification, replacing the framework notified on 6 December 1991. The new guidelines were issued on 16 September 2026 under Section 5B(2) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952. The CBFC operates under the Cinematograph Act to regulate the public exhibition of films in India.

The updated framework says film certification should balance social responsibility with artistic expression and creative freedom. It calls for certification to remain responsive to social change, provide clean and healthy entertainment and, as far as possible, maintain aesthetic value and good cinematic standards.

On violence and crime, the revised rules say films should not glorify or justify anti-social activities. The modus operandi of criminals and visuals or dialogue likely to incite the commission of an offence should not be depicted.

The guidelines take a particularly firm line on children. Scenes showing children as victims or perpetrators of violence, forcing children to witness violence or subjecting them to any form of abuse are prohibited. They also bar scenes involving the abuse or ridicule of physically or mentally handicapped persons, as well as needless cruelty towards animals.

Violence, cruelty and horror that are pointless or avoidable are also restricted. The framework specifically rules out violence primarily intended as entertainment and material that could desensitise or dehumanise audiences.

Drugs, alcohol and tobacco remain another major area of restriction. Films should not contain scenes that justify or glorify drinking, or encourage, justify or glamorise drug addiction. Similar restrictions apply to content encouraging, justifying or glamorising tobacco consumption or smoking.

Films involving the consumption, use or trafficking of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances must carry a statutory warning stating: “Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs.”

The sexual content provisions focus on vulgarity, obscenity and material that could offend human sensibilities. Dual-meaning words intended to cater to what the guidelines describe as baser instincts are not permitted, while scenes degrading or denigrating women are prohibited.

Scenes involving adult violence against women, including attempted rape, rape or molestation, are to be avoided. Where such incidents are central to the film’s theme, they must be kept to the minimum and shown without details. Scenes depicting what the guidelines describe as perversions are subject to a similar requirement.

The framework also places restrictions around communal and group-related content. Visuals or words contemptuous of racial, religious or other groups are prohibited, along with material promoting communal, obscurantist, anti-scientific or anti-national attitudes.

Films must also not question India’s sovereignty and integrity, jeopardise the security of the State, strain friendly relations with foreign States or endanger public order. Defamation of an individual or group and contempt of court are also barred.

The guidelines further state that national symbols and emblems must be shown only in accordance with the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.

Importantly, the CBFC is required to assess a film in its entirety and consider its overall impact rather than examining isolated scenes alone. The assessment can take into account the period depicted in the film and contemporary standards of the country and people to which the story relates, provided the film does not deprave the morality of the audience.

The revised framework therefore keeps the familiar principle of film certification while updating the rulebook around subjects that have become increasingly prominent in cinema — from graphic violence and substance use to sexual violence, communal themes and the treatment of vulnerable groups. The CBFC’s current certification system includes U, UA with age-based categories, A and S classifications.