Film Certification & Regulation, Cinematograph Act, 1952

Last updated: October 6, 2025 Type: Article

Legal Framework & Key Provisions

Statutory Basis & Scope

The Cinematograph Act, 1952 provides for certification of films before public exhibition and regulates exhibitions via cinematographs.
Parts I, II & IV of the Act apply to the whole of India; Part III (relating to territorial provisions) extends to Union Territories.
The Act allows for rules to be made by the Central Government.

Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)

CBFC is constituted under the Act. "Board" is the authority that grants certificates.
Appointment of Chairperson and members is done by the Central Government.

Certification

After examining a film, CBFC may grant one of the following certificates: U, UA, A, S.
The certificate or refusal must be published in the Gazette.
Certificate is valid throughout India.

Principles/Grounds for Refusal or Cuts

A film (or part thereof) shall not be certified if, in the opinion of the authority:

It is against sovereignty, integrity or security of India
It endangers friendly relations with foreign states
It affects public order, decency, morality
It involves defamation, contempt of court
It is likely to incite criminal acts

The Central Government may issue "guiding principles" for certification.

Appeals & Revisional Powers

If the applicant is aggrieved by refusal or imposition of cuts, they may appeal to the High Court within 30 days.
The High Court may condone delay for "sufficient cause."
Central Government may examine or issue directions over CBFC's orders in special cases.

Unauthorized Exhibition, Alteration & Penalties

Showing a film without certification is illegal.
Altering or projecting a film in a manner that contravenes the certificate is punishable.
The 2023 Amendment inserted stricter anti-piracy and anti-recording provisions:
- Section 6AA: prohibits unauthorized recording in places licensed to exhibit films.
- Section 6AB: prohibits exhibition of infringing copies for profit.

Rules & Modernization

Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 were notified under the amended Act to streamline digital certification and reduce processing time.
The new rules emphasize online processes, transparency, and ease of doing business.

Film Certification under the Cinematograph Act, 1952

Where to Register

All films in India must be registered and certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Official site: https://cbfcindia.gov.in
You can apply online through the e-Cinepramaan Portal, launched by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
Portal link: https://ecinepramaan.cbfcindia.gov.in

Who Can Apply

The producer or authorized representative of the film.
You must have:
- Final edited version of the film (ready for viewing)
- Synopsis in English or Hindi
- Details of cast, crew, and dialogues

How to Register & Submit Film

Step	Action	Details
Step 1	Create an Account	Go to ecinepramaan.cbfcindia.gov.in → Click "Producer Registration" → Fill in your basic details (PAN, mobile, email).
Step 2	Log in	Use your credentials to access the producer dashboard.
Step 3	Add Film Details	Enter the film's title, language, category (feature, short, ad, trailer, etc.), and running time.
Step 4	Upload Documents	Required: Synopsis, poster, title registration proof (from producer's association), script certificate (if needed), and undertakings.
Step 5	Pay Fees Online	Fee depends on the film's duration (as per CBFC's official fee schedule).
Step 6	Book Screening	Select a convenient CBFC regional office and date for film examination.
Step 7	Film Screening by CBFC	The Examining Committee watches the film and recommends a certificate (U, UA, A, or S) or cuts/modifications.
Step 8	Receive Certificate	Once approved, you can download the digital certificate directly from the portal.

Certificate Categories

Certificate	Age Group	Meaning
U	All ages	Suitable for everyone
UA	Below 12 with parental guidance	May contain mild content
A	18+ only	Adults only
S	Specific group	For professionals (e.g., doctors, police)

After Certification: You can now release the film in theatres, on television, or festivals. Digital/OTT releases don't require CBFC approval (they're covered under IT Rules, 2021).

Appeal (If Certification Denied)

If CBFC refuses or asks for major cuts: You can appeal to the High Court (Film Certification Appellate Tribunal has been abolished in 2021).

State / Regional Variations & Examples

State / Region	Notable Variation / Development
Delhi	Recently, the LG shifted cinema hall licensing authority from Police to the Revenue Department, forming a committee to grant licenses.
Union Territories / Extensions	The Act was extended to territories like Goa, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
Licensing vs Certification	Cinema hall / theatre licensing is often a state or local function (fire safety, building permit), though certification is central via CBFC.

FAQs

1. What is the Cinematograph Act, 1952?: Law governing certification of films before public exhibition and regulating their display in cinemas.
2. What is CBFC?: Statutory authority under this Act that certifies films for public viewing.
3. Do all films need CBFC certification?: Yes — any film intended for public exhibition must have certification.
4. What certificates exist?: U, UA, A, S. After the 2023 amendment, UA may carry markers like UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+.
5. Can CBFC cut scenes or refuse a film?: Yes, if the film violates criteria related to morality, public order, etc.
6. Can a movie be banned entirely?: CBFC may refuse certification, which amounts to denial of public exhibition.
7. Is there an appeal process?: Yes — to the High Court within 30 days for refusal or modification orders.
8. What if a film is shown without certification?: It's an offence — penalties include fines and/or imprisonment.
9. Does this apply to web / OTT content?: No — OTT content is governed by IT Rules, not the Cinematograph Act.
10. Can B-rated audiences (under 18) watch 'A' films?: No — 'A' is restricted to adults only.
11. Can CBFC remove political content?: They can demand cuts if content threatens public order or sovereignty, or is otherwise objectionable.
12. Are documentaries/short films also regulated?: Yes, if they are to be publicly exhibited.
13. Can I show a film privately (non-commercial) without certification?: Public exhibition (even for non-commercial audiences) generally requires certification if shown outside a private home.
14. What about piracy/cam recording?: Now explicitly penalised under the 2023 amendment in licensed exhibition venues.
15. Can CBFC act after certification?: The law doesn't empower CBFC to alter a film after certification, except in special government‐ordered cases.
16. What new powers did 2023 amendment grant?: Stricter anti-recording, anti-infringement provisions, UA marker system.
17. How fast is certification under new rules?: The 2024 rules aim to reduce timelines via digital processes.
18. What are UA markers?: Age indicators within the UA category: e.g. UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+.
19. Who certifies dubbed / translated versions?: Each version must be certified (dialogue changes matter).
20. Does each state have a different rule?: No major deviation is allowed; the central law and rules are binding across India. Some states may handle licensing of cinema halls or enforcement details.

Also See

IT Act, 2000 & Cyber Laws - Key Features + FAQs