Centre notifies Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024

New Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 aim to modernize film certification process, introduce age-based categories, and enhance accessibility.

The Central government has notified the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, in order to improve the process of certification of films for public exhibition.

“These new rules aim to streamline and modernise the film certification process for the digital age, keeping pace with the emerging technologies and advancement in the film sector,” said the Information & Broadcasting Ministry on March 15.

The Ministry and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had earlier undertaken extensive consultations with filmmakers, cinema owners, disability rights organisations, non-government organisations, film industry bodies, the general public, and other stakeholders, to ensure an all-encompassing and all-inclusive approach, it said.

“A comprehensive revision of the Rules has been done to fully align it with the adoption of online certification processes, which will ensure enhanced transparency, efficiency and ease of doing business for the film industry,” said the Ministry. There is a reduction in timelines for the processing of film certification.

The rules introduce age-based categories of certification by further subdividing the existing UA category into three age-based categories: seven years (UA 7+), 13 years (UA 13+), and 16 years (UA 16+), instead of 12 years.

“These age-based markers would be only recommendatory, meant for the parents or guardians to consider whether their children should view such a film. The age-based certification system with UA markers to be implemented to ensure young viewers are exposed to age-appropriate content. It will play a crucial role in balancing the need to protect vulnerable audiences, such as children, with the principles of freedom of expression and consumer choice,” it said.

In the CBFC Board, one-third of the members will be women and preferably half will be women. Also, a new provision allows for the film to be screened expeditiously for certification, in case of any urgency felt by film-maker(s) due to their prior commitments of release of the film.