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Indian Movies and CBFC

"Film censorship becomes necessary because a film motivates thought and action and assures a high degree of attention and retention as compared to the printed word. The combination of act and speech, sight and sound in semi darkness of the theatre with elimination of all distracting ideas will have a strong impact on the minds of the viewers and can affect emotions. Therefore, it has as much potential for evil as it has for good and has an equal potential to instil or cultivate violent or good behavior. It cannot be equated with other modes of communication. Censorship by prior restraint is, therefore, not only desirable but also necessary"

-----------------SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

Indian Cinema and Central Board of Film Certification

Introduction to Guidelines

The Cinematograph Act lays down that a film has to be certified keeping the interests of sovereignty, integrity and security of India, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, morality etc. in mind.

Under section 5B (2) the Central Government issues detailed guidelines.

A film is judged in its entirety from the point of view of its overall impact and is examined in the light of the period depicted in the film and the contemporary standards of the country and the people to whom the film relates, provided that the film does not deprave the morality of the audience. Guidelines are applied to the titles of the films also.

Objectives of film certification
(a) the medium of film remains responsible and sensitive to the values and standards of society;
(b) artistic expression and creative freedom are not unduly curbed;
(c) certification is responsible to social changes;
(d) the medium of film provides clean and healthy entertainment; and
(e) as far as possible, the film is of aesthetic value and cinematically of a good standard.

Detailed Guidelines for certification

(i) anti social activities such as violence are not glorified or justified
(ii) the modus operandi of criminals, other visuals or words likely to incite the commission of any offence are not depicted;
(iii) scenes showing involvement of children in violence as victims or perpetrators or as forced witnesses to violence, or showing children as being subjected to any form of child abuse;

showing abuse or ridicule of physically and mentally handicappedpersons; and

showing cruelty to, or abuse of animals, are not presented needlessly
(iv) pointless or avoidable scenes of violence, cruelty and horror, scenes of violence primarily intended to provide entertainment and such scenes as may have the effect of de-sensitising or de-humanising people are not shown;
(v) scenes which have the effect of justifying or glorifying drinking are not shown;
(vi) scenes tending to encourage, justify or glamorise drug addiction are not shown;
(vi-a) scenes tending to encourage, justify or glamorise consumption of tobacco or smoking are not shown;
(vii) human sensibilities are not offended by vulgarity, obscenity or depravity;
(viii) such dual meaning words as obviously cater to baser instincts are not allowed;
(ix) scenes degrading or denigrating women in any manner are not presented;

(x) scenes involving sexual violence against women like attempt to rape, rape or any form of molestation or scenes of a similar nature are avoided, and if any such incidence is germane to the theme, they shall be reduced to the minimum and no details are shown
(xi) scenes showing sexual perversions shall be avoided and if such matters are germane to the theme they shall be reduced to the minimum and no details are shown
(xii) visuals or words contemptuous of racial, religious or other groups are not presented
(xiii) visuals or words which promote communal, obscurantist, anti-scientific and anti-national attitude are not presented
(xiv) the sovereignty and integrity of India is not called in question;
(xv) the security of the State is not jeopardized or endangered
(xvi) friendly relations with foreign States are not strained;
(xvii) public order is not endangered
(xviii) visuals or words involving defamation of an individual or a body of individuals, or contempt of court are not presented
EXPLANATION: Scenes that tend to create scorn, disgrace or disregard of rules or undermine the dignity of court will come under the term 'Contempt of Court' : and
(xix) national symbols and emblems are not shown except in accordance with the provisions of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 (12 of 1950)

Film Classification

U -- Unrestricted Public Exhibition

UA-- Unrestricted Public Exhibition - But With Parental Guidance

A -- Restricted to adults

S -- Restricted to any special class of persons

-- Sanction of any of the above category subject to Excisions and Modifications

-- Refusal for Public Exhibition