Cinematograph (Certification)
Rules, 2024
[15th
March 2024]
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 8 of the Cinematograph
Act, 1952 (37 of 1952), and in supersession of the Cinematograph
(Certification) Rules, 1983, the Central Government hereby makes the following
rules, namely : -
Rule 1. Short title and commencement :-
(1)
These rules shall be called the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules,
2024.
(2)
They shall come into force from the date of their publication in the
Official Gazette.
Rule 2. Definitions :-
In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires-
(i)
"Act" means the Cinematograph Act, 1952 (37 of 1952);
(ii)
"advisory panel" means the advisory panel of the Board
constituted under rule 7;
(iii)
"applicant" means a person applying for certification of a film
for public exhibition under section 4;
(iv)
"Assistant Regional Officer" means an assistant regional
officer appointed under rule 9 and includes the Secretary to Chairperson;
(v)
"Board" means the Board of Film Certification constituted under
section 3;
(vi)
"Chairperson" means the Chairperson of the Board;
(vii)
"Chief Executive Officer" means a Chief Executive Officer
appointed under rule 9;
(viii)
"Examining Officer" means a Chief Executive Officer or a
Regional Officer or an AdditionalRegional Officer or an Assistant Regional
Officer or such other officer appointed by the Central Government for the
purpose of examination of films;
(ix)
"feature film" means fictionalized story long film;
(x)
"foreign films" means films produced outside India;
(xi)
"long film" is a film running 72 minutes or more, including the
credit and title time of the film;
(xii)
"member" means a member of the Board and includes the
Chairperson;
(xiii)
"Regional Officer" means a Regional Officer appointed under
rule 9 and includes a Chief Executive Officer, an Additional Regional Officer
and an Assistant Regional Officer or such other officer appointed under that
rule;
(xiv)
"section" means a section of the Act;
(xv)
"short film" means a film running less than 72 minutes;
(xvi) "UA certificate" means a UA certificate
with the appropriate UA marker as defined under clause (i) of section 2 of the
Act; and
Rule 3. Terms of office :-
(1)
A member of the Board shall hold office during the pleasure of the
Central Government.
(2)
Subject to the provisions of sub-rule (1), the Chairperson shall hold
office for a period of three years and shall continue to hold office until
their successor is appointed;
Provided that pending the appointment of their successor, the Central
Government may appoint another person to act as Chairperson in the interim for
a period not exceeding one year.
(3)
Subject to the provisions of sub-rule (1), every other member shall hold
office for a period not exceeding three years:
Provided that the term of the members shall continue until new members are
appointment in their place:
Provided further that the term of the members shall be discontinued in
the sequence of their appointment.
(4)
A retiring member or a member whose term of office has expired by efflux
of time shall be eligible for re-appointment.
Rule 4. Representation of women in the board :-
The Central Government may take such steps as it thinks fit to appoint
women members in the Board so that there is due representation for women, where
for one-third of the members in the Board shall be women and preferably half
shall be women.
Rule 5. Casual vacancy :-
A casual vacancy in the Board by resignation, death or removal of a
member or otherwise shall be filled by the appointment of another member who
shall hold office for the full term of membership provided under sub-rule (3)
of rule 3.
Rule 6. Headquarters :-
Unless otherwise directed by the Central Government, the headquarters of
the Board shall be at Mumbai.
Rule 7. Temporary absence of Chairperson :-
Notwithstanding anything contained in these rules, when the Chairperson
is unable to discharge their functions owing to absence, illness or any other
cause, the Central Government may nominate a member of the Board who will
discharge the functions of the Chairperson until the Chairperson resumes their
duties.
Rule 8. Constitution of advisory panels :-
(1)
The Central Government shall constitute an advisory panel at each of the
regional offices of the Board.
(2)
An advisory panel constituted under sub-rule (1) shall consist of such
number of members as the Central Government may, after consultation with the
Board, determine.
(3)
The Central Government may, after consultation with the Board, appoint
any person whom it thinks fit to be a member of an advisory panel;
Provided that the Central Government may dispense with such consultation
in respect of such number of members not exceeding one-third of the total
number of members of the advisory panel, as that Government thinks fit,
Provided further that for at least one-third of the members of the
advisory panel shall be women and preferably half shall be women.
Rule 9. Terms of office of members of advisory panels :-
(1)
A member of an advisory panel shall hold office during the pleasure of
the Central Government.
(2)
Subject to the provisions of sub-rule (1), every such member shall hold
office for a period not exceeding three years;
(3)
A retiring member or a member whose term of office has expired by efflux
of time shall be eligible for reappointment,
(4)
The Central Government may remove from office any member of an advisory
panel before the expiration of their term of office.
Rule 10. Officers of the Board :-
(1)
For the purpose of enabling the Board to perform its functions under the
Act, the Central Government may appoint a Chief Executive Officer, Regional
Officers, Additional Regional Officers, Assistant Regional Officers and such
other officers at the headquarters and at each of the regional offices of the
Board:
Provided that the Central Government may delegate to the
Chairperson/Chief Executive Officer subject to such conditions and limitations,
if any, as may be specified by it, the power of appointment conferred on it
under this sub-rule, other than the powers of appointment in relation to the
posts of Regional Officer and Additional Regional Officer.
Provided further that the Chairperson or Chief Executive Officer may
grant leave to or suspend or remove from service any officer appointed by him
under the powers delegated to him under this sub-rule.
(2)
The Regional Officers, Additional Regional Officers, Assistant Regional
Officers and other officers appointed under sub-rule (1) shall perform such
duties as may be assigned to them under these rules, or by the Chairperson or
Chief Executive Officer or by the Board.
Rule 11. Duties of the Board :-
The Board shall, in addition to other duties prescribed under these
rules,-
(1)
submit an annual report to the Central Government reviewing the work done
by the Board during the preceding financial year and the report shall contain a
detailed analytical study of the trends in film industry;
(2)
prescribe the manner in which the registers, records and accounts of the
Board shall be kept; and
(3)
review the work of the Regional Officers and members of the Advisory
Panels.
Rule 12. Assessment of public reactions to films :-
With a view to determining the principles to be observed in certifying
films, the Board may take such steps as it thinks fit to assess public
reactions to films, and for that purpose, the Board may hold symposia or
seminars of film critics, film writers, community leaders and persons engaged
in the film industry, or such other persons and also undertake local or
national surveys to study the impact of various kinds of films on the public
mind.
Rule 13.
Terms and conditions of service (other than salary and allowances) of the
Chairperson of the Board and allowances payable to the other members of the
Board :-
(1)
The Chairperson, if they are a paid full-time officer, shall be entitled
to draw travelling and daily allowances as admissible under the Fundamental and
Supplementary Rules, 1922 and shall be entitled to leave and leave salary and
such other benefits and shall be governed by such conditions of service as are
applicable to Central Government Officers engaged on contract:
Provided that in the case of an officer of an All India or Central Civil
or General Central Service or State Service being appointed as Chairperson he
shall be entitled to leave and leave salary and other benefits admissible to
officers of such service so long as they continue to belong to that Service:
Provided further that if an officer who has already been holding a post
under Government on contract with the benefits of Contributory Provident Fund
is appointed as Chairperson, shall be allowed to carry forward the unutilised
portion of leave earned by them during previous service and they shall also
continue to be eligible for the Contributory Provident Fund benefits.
(2)
Every honorary member (including the Chairperson where they do not
receive any salary) may,-
(a)
be paid an allowance for attending the preview of a film or meeting of
the Revising Committee or the Board at the rate as notified from time to time
by the Central Government for each day of such preview or meeting;
(b)
if they are an out-station member, travel by air or by train as
admissible according to the orders issued by the Central Government from time
to time in respect of journeys undertaken by them for the performance of their
duties as such members;
Rule 14. Allowances payable to members of the advisory panels :-
(1)
Every member of the advisory panel shall be entitled to draw travelling
and daily allowances for journeys performed by them for attending the meetings
of the Board outside the headquarters or for the purpose of discharging any
other duties prescribed under the Act with prior approval of the Chairperson on
the scale provided under the Fundamental and Supplementary Rules, 1922
applicable to First Grade officers of Central Government.
(2)
Every member of the advisory panel shall be entitled to receive a
consultancy fee for attending a preview of film or a meeting of the Committee
or Panel or for verification of cuts and affected contents at the rate as
notified from time to time by the Central Government, provided that payment of
daily allowance in terms of sub-rule (1) above will not be admissible in
addition to the payment of consultancy fees under this sub-rule.
(3)
Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rules (1) and (2), if any
member of the advisory panel is a Member of Parliament, they shall not be
entitled to any remuneration other than the allowances defined in clause (a) of
section 2 of the Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959 (10 of
1959).
Rule 15. Meetings of the Board :-
(1)
The Board shall ordinarily meet once a quarter for the transaction of
business but the Chairperson may at any time call an extraordinary meeting if
they consider it necessary to do so.
(2)
Meetings of the Board shall be held at such places as the Chairperson may
at their discretion fix for the purpose.
Rule 16. Co-opted Members :-
The Chairperson may co-opt the Chief Executive Officer or any one or more
of the regional officers or any officer of the Central Government as a member
or members of the Board for the purpose of attending a particular meeting of
the Board and such officer or officers shall then be entitled to participate in
the deliberations of the Board at that meeting but shall not be entitled to
vote.
Rule 17. Notice of meeting :-
(1)
At least twenty-one clear days notice of all meetings of the Board shall
be given to each member.
(2)
Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (1), an urgent meeting may
be called by the Chairperson at three clear days notice.
(3)
The notice shall state the business to be transacted at the meetings and
no business other than that stated shall be transacted at such meeting except
with the consent of the Chairperson or on his motion.
Rule 18. Business ordinarily to be transacted at meetings :-
The business of the Board shall ordinarily be transacted at a meeting
duly called in accordance with the provisions of these rules:
Provided that the Chairperson may, if they think fit, circulate any
urgent matter among the members for their opinion.
Rule 19. Quorum :-
At every meeting of the Board, quorum shall be considered to be
constituted if there are:
(a)
four members if the Chairperson is present; or
(b)
six members if the Chairperson is absent.
Rule 20. President of the meeting :-
Meetings of the Board shall be presided over by the Chairperson, or in
his absence, by a member elected by the members present from among themselves.
Rule 21. Question to be decided by majority of votes :-
Every question before the Board shall be decided by a majority of votes,
and in the case of equality of votes, the Chairperson or the member elected to
preside under rule 19, as the case may be, shall have a second or casting vote.
Rule 22. Application for examination of films :-
(1)
Every application to certify a film for public exhibition shall be made
on the online portal of the Board, hereinafter referred to as the e-cinepramaan
portal in accordance with the format of the Common Application Form as
prescribed by the Board.
(2)
Any application to re-certify or change the category of a film that has
received final certification from the Board, to be exhibited on television or
such other media other than the medium originally certified, shall be made on
the e-cinepramaan portal in accordance with the Common Application Form.
(3)
The application referred to in sub-rule (1) above shall be made through
the Regional Officer concerned as per the First Schedule:
Provided that in case of foreign films, the Chairperson may direct or
permit applications in respect of them to be made or transferred to a Regional
Officer other than the Regional Officer to whom such applications would have
been made but for this proviso:
Provided further that the Chairperson may in the following circumstances,
direct or permit applications in respect of any films or class of films to be
made or transferred to a Regional Officer other than the Regional Officer to
whom such applications would have been made but for this proviso, namely,-
(i)
where the Chairperson is satisfied that immediate action for examination
of a film is necessary, or
(ii)
where examination of a film with the assistance of persons well
acquainted with the language of the film is not possible at the place where but
for the provisions of this proviso, it would have been made for examination, or
(iii)
for such other reasons as may be specified by the Chairperson in writing.
(4)
Every such application under sub-rules (1) or (2) shall be accompanied by
online submission of following on the e-cinepramaan portal,-
(a)
the payment of fee prescribed under rule 36;
(b)
the synopsis of the film, together with full credit titles;
(c)
the complete script, including the full text of the songs, if any;
(d)
the same language subtitles, same language audio description, or same
language closed captions, if any, and any other accessibility features as may
be notified, from time to time, by the Central Government;
(e)
a statement showing the duration of the film; and
(f)
the documents submitted under clauses (c), (d) and (e) shall be
accompanied by the Time Counter Reading:
Provided that where the film is in a language other than English or any
Indian language listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, the
applicant shall furnish the translation in English or Hindi of the synopsis,
the complete script and the full text of the songs, if any:
Provided further that in the case of a film referred to in the preceding
proviso, the Regional Officer may direct the applicant to also furnish the
translation in English or Hindi of the full text of the dialogue, speeches or
commentary in the film;
(g)
a declaration made in writing by the producer of the film declaring that
no cruelty was caused to the animals used during shooting of the films produced
in India under any other law, for the time being in force.
Explanation: For the purpose of this clause:
(i)
"animal" shall have the meaning assigned to it under clause (a)
of section 2 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (59 of 1960);
(ii)
"cruelty" means treating the animals in any manner specified in
clauses (a) to (o) of sub-section (1) of section 11 of the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (59 of 1960);
(h)
if the applications made for the purpose of a fresh certificate under
sub-rule (2) of rule 30, the copy of original certificate or duplicate
certificate; and
(i)
if the application is made by a person other than the producer or
copyright holder of the film an authorisation in writing on a stamped paper of
appropriate value to be notified by the Chairperson from the producer or
copyright holder of the film.
(5)
If, in the case of a short film, the Regional Officer is satisfied that
the applicant is not able to furnish the documents specified in sub-rule (4)
along with the application for reasons beyond his control, the Regional Officer
may direct that such documents may be furnished within such period after the
examination of the film as they may specify or that the submission of such
documents may be dispensed with.
(6)
No such application shall be accompanied by any documents other than
those mentioned in sub-rule (4).
Rule 23. Examining Committee :-
(1)
On receipt of an application under Rule 22, the Regional Officer shall
appoint an Examining Committee to examine the film and the examination shall be
made at the cost of the applicant on such date, at such place and at such time
as the Regional Officer may determine.
(2)
The Examining Committee shall consist of:-
(a)
in the case of a short film, a member of the advisory panel and an
examining officer either of whom shall be a woman; and
(b)
in the case of a long film, four members of the advisory panel and an
examining officer of whom two persons shall be women:
Provided that if the examining officer is unavoidably absent at the
examination of a film, the Examining Committee shall consist of two members of
the advisory panel in a case falling under clause (a) and five members of the
advisory panel in a case falling under clause (b):
Provided further that in the Examining Committee, in a case falling under
clause (a) one member shall be a woman and in a case falling under clause (b)
two members shall be women.
(3)
The Regional Officer may invite such subject or language experts in the
field of film as it may consider appropriate, for the examination of a film by
the Examining Committee:
Provided that the expert invitees who attend the meetings of the
Examining Committee shall be paid such fees and allowances as may be prescribed
by the Central Government:
Provided further that where such an expert has not been invited for the
initial screening, if the Examining Committee decides that the film is required
to be seen by such expert, the screening may be done again by the Board,
without any cost to the applicant.
(4)
The film to be examined by the Examining Committee shall be:
(a)
in its final form with the background music and all sound effects duly
recorded on the film itself, and
(b)
the title, castings and credits shall be displayed in the language of the
dialogue of the film, and the same may be displayed in any other language if so
desired by the applicant.
(5)
All previews of films for the purpose of examination for certification
and the reports and records relating thereto shall be treated as confidential.
(6)
The names of the members of the Examining Committee examining the film
shall not be disclosed to any official or nonofficial not concerned with the
preview of the particular film or to any other person including the applicant.
(7)
Nothing in sub-rules (5) and (6) shall affect the disclosure of names of
persons in the certificate granted by the Board.
(8)
The applicant shall not be allowed to be present inside the preview
theatre.
(9)
Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rules (5), (6) and (8) the
Chairperson may by special or general order permit any member of the staff to
be present at the preview to render such assistance as may be required.
(10)
The Examining Committee shall examine the film having regard to the
principles for guidance in certifying films specified in sub-section(1) of
section 5B and the guidelines issued by the Government under subsection (2) of
section 5B.
(11)
Immediately after the examination of the film each member of the
Examining Committee attending the examination shall before leaving the preview
theatre record their opinion in writing in Form VIII set out in the Second
Schedule spelling out in clear terms the reasons therefore and state whether
they consider-
(a)
that the film is suitable for unrestricted public exhibition. i.e. fit
for U certificate; or
(b)
that the film is suitable for unrestricted public exhibition with an
endorsement of caution as to whether a child below the age of seven, thirteen
or sixteen may be allowed to see the film should be considered by the parents
or guardian of such child with respect to the appropriate UA marker, i.e. fit
for UA with UA marker certificate; or
(c)
that the film is suitable for public exhibition restricted to adults,
i.e. fit for A certificate; or
(d)
that the film is suitable for public exhibition restricted to members of
any profession or any class of persons having regard to the nature, content and
theme of the film, i.e. fit for S certificate; or
(e)
that the film is suitable for U or UA with UA marker or A or S
certificate as the case may be if a specified portion or portions be excised or
modified there from; or
(f)
that the film is not suitable for unrestricted or restricted public
exhibition, i.e. that the film be refused a certificate; and if the Chairperson
is away from the regional centre where the film is examined, the form aforesaid
shall be prepared in duplicate.
(12)
The Examining Officer shall furnish the examination form to all the
concerned Examining Committee members for recording their recommendations.
(13)
After the screening of the film, the examining officer shall see that-
(a)
the recommendation of every member of the Committee is recorded in
unambiguous terms and each excision or modification is properly specified in
clear terms with reason or reasons therefor;
(b)
the same is duly signed by the members of the Committees and
(c)
where the report of any member of the Committee is incomplete,
that fact is brought to the notice of the member concerned before they leave
the preview theatre.
(14)
The examining officer shall within three working days, submit the
recommendations of all members of the Examining Committee to be considered by
the authority prescribed in Third Schedule based on the type and length of the
content.
(15)
It shall be the personal responsibility of the examining officer to
examine whether each and every guideline issued by Government has been followed
and to bring any lapse or deviation to notice of the Chairperson.
(16)
The quorum for the Examining Committee for a long film shall be four of
whom at least two persons shall be women.
Rule 24. Certification :-
On receipt of the record referred to in sub-rule (14) of rule 23, the
authority having jurisdiction in the matter as given in Third Schedule shall
take further action on behalf of the Board in conformity with the
recommendation of the Examining Committee either unanimous or by majority,
unless the provisions of sub-rule (1) of rule 25 are not attracted:
Provided that in case of a short film when the Committee is divided in
its opinion, the Chairperson shall either examine the film himself and take, or
direct the Regional Officer concerned to take further action on behalf of the
Board to give effect to his decision.
Rule 25. Revising Committee :-
(1)
On receipt of the record referred to in Rule 23, the Chairperson may on
his own motion or on the request of the applicant upon a representation made
under sub-section (2) of section 4, refer it to a Revising Committee
constituted for the purpose.
(2)
The Revising Committee shall, subject to sub-rule (5), consist of a
Chairperson and not more than nine members, being members of the Board or
members of any of the advisory panels, to be specified by the Chairperson.
Provided that subject to the provisions of sub-rule (11), the Chairperson
shall give due representation to women in the Committee by nominating such
number of women members as he thinks fit.
(3)
The Regional Officer may invite such subject/language experts in the
field of film as it may consider appropriate, for the examination of a film by
the Revising Committee;
Provided that the expert invitees who attend the meetings of the Revising
Committee shall be paid such allowances as may be prescribed by the Central
Government.
(4)
The Chairperson or in his absence a member of the Board nominated by the
Chairperson shall preside at every meeting of the Revising Committee.
(5)
The Regional Officer of the center where the application was received
under rule 22, may be invited to attend any meeting of the Revising Committee
and participate in proceedings thereof but he shall have no right to vote
thereat.
(6)
No member of the advisory panel who has been a member of the Examining
Committee for any film shall be a member of the Revising Committee in respect
of the same film.
(7)
The provisions of sub-rule (5) to (10) of Rule 23 shall apply mutatis
mutandis to the examination of film by the Revising Committee or the Board.
(8)
The Revising Committee shall examine the film at the expense of the
applicant, on such date, at such place and at such time, as the Chairperson may
determine.
(9)
For the purpose of examination by a Revising Committee, the applicant
shall present the same version of the film which was shown to the Examining
Committee and he shall make no change whatsoever in it and he shall furnish the
necessary declaration in writing in that behalf;
(10)
Immediately after examination of the film, each member of the Revising
Committee shall before leaving the preview theatre record his recommendations
in writing in Form VIII set out in the Second Schedule spelling out in clear
terms the reasons thereof and stating they consider-
(a)
that the film is suitable for unrestricted public exhibition, i.e. fit
for U certificate; or
(b)
that the film is suitable for unrestricted public exhibition but with an
endorsement of caution as to whether a child below the age of seven, thirteen
or sixteen may be allowed to see the film should be considered by the parents
or guardian of such child with respect to the appropriate UA marker i.e. fit
for UA with UA marker certificate; or
(c)
that the film is suitable for public exhibition restricted to adults,
i.e. fit for A certificate; or
(d)
that the film is suitable for public exhibition restricted to members of
any profession or any class of persons having regard to the nature, content and
theme of the film, i.e. fit for S certificate; or
(e)
that the film is suitable for grant of U or UA with UA marker or A or
"S" certificate, as the case may be, if a specified portion or
portions be excised or modified therefrom; or
(f)
that the film is not suitable for unrestricted or restricted public
exhibition, i.e. that the film be refused a certificate.
(11)
The Presiding Officer of the Revising Committee shall, within three days,
send the recommendations of all the members of the Revising Committee to the
Chairperson.
(12)
The quorum of the Revising Committee shall be five members of whom at
least two persons shall be women;
Provided that the number of women members shall not be less than one-half
of the total members of a Committee constituted under sub-rule (2).
(13)
The decision of a Revising Committee shall be that of the majority of the
members attending the examination of the film and, in the event of an equality
of votes, the Presiding Officer shall have a second or casting vote:
Provided that where the Chairperson disagrees with the decision of the
majority of the Committee the Board shall itself examine the film or cause the
film to be examined again by another Revising Committee and that the decision
of the Board or the second Revising Committee, as the case may be, shall be
final.
Rule 26. :-
On receipt of the orders of the Board under section 4 or section 5A, the
Regional Officer shall communicate the same to the applicant through the
e-cinepramaan portal and take such other steps in accordance with the said
orders as they may deem necessary.
Rule 27. Issue of certificate subject to removal of portions of film :-
(1)
Where the applicant is informed by a Regional Officer that a film will
not be granted U or UA with UA marker or A or S certificate, as the case may be
unless a specified portion or portions thereof be removed from the film, the
Regional Officer may issue such a certificate if he is satisfied on a
declaration made in writing (in Form IX set out in the Second Schedule) by the
applicant that the portion or portions objected to have been excised from film
and from all copies thereof, wherever they may exist.
Explanation:- For the purpose of being satisfied that the portion or
portions objected to have been excised from the film and from all copies
thereof, the Regional Officer or the Chairperson may at the expense of the
applicant examine the relevant portions of the film or cause it or them to be
examined by one or more members of the advisory panel at such time and place as
they may determine.
(2)
A certificate issued under sub-rule (1) shall be endorsed with a
specification of the portion or portions required to be removed and a statement
of the exact length of each part or parts removed and in the case of reduction
of scene or sequences, it shall mention the length of the portion reduced and
the length of the portion retained and shall bear a clearly visible triangle
drawn at the left-hand bottom corner of the certificate.
Rule 28. Deposit of certified film :-
In the case of a feature film, prior to the grant of certificate to the
applicant under the foregoing rules, a copy of the film for such period and in
such format as may be prescribed by the Board shall be deposited by the
applicant with the Board at his own expense for the purpose of record.
Provided that an applicant may voluntarily deposit a copy of the
certified film with the National Film Development Corporation-National Film
Archive of India in such format and on such payment as may be prescribed by
NFDC-NFAI for preservation of the film.
Rule 29. Validity of certificate :-
A certificate granted by the Board under sub-section (1) of section 5A in
respect of a film shall be valid perpetually from the date on which the
certificate is granted, and shall be valid throughout India.
Rule 30. Compliance with section 6A :-
(1)
The manner of notification to the distributor or exhibitor for the
purpose of section 6A, shall be in the electronic form (containing both Parts I
and II thereof) with the certified film to be distributed or exhibited.
(2)
The provisions of sub-rule (1) shall apply in relation to an amendment of
a certificate in respect of a film as it applied in relation to the certificate
itself.
(3)
A copy of certificate of a film referred to in sub-rule (1) shall
accompany the film and be prominently exhibited in the theatre on all days on
which the film is exhibited therein.
Rule 31. Alteration of film after issue of certificate :-
(1)
When a film is altered by, excision, addition, colouring or otherwise
after it has been certified under these rules, including addition of subtitles,
audio descriptions or closed captioning in languages other than the original
language of the film or any other accessibility measures as notified by the
Central Government from time to time, it shall not be exhibited unless the
portions excised, added, coloured or otherwise altered, have been reported to the
Board in Form III in the Second Schedule and the Board has endorsed the
particulars of the alteration or alterations on the certificate,
Provided that any of the excisions, additions, colouring or any other
alterations reported to the Board for endorsement under this sub-rule shall
conform with the category of film it has been certified as under rule 27.
Explanation.- Any addition, deletion, alteration or replacement of
background music in a film shall not be deemed to be an alteration (unless the
Chairperson by general or special order otherwise directs) of the film within
the meaning of this sub-rule.
(2)
For the purpose of exercising its powers under sub-rule (1) the Regional
Officer shall appoint an Examining Committee to examine the contents of the
film in which the portions are altered, at the expense of the applicant, in
such manner and with such assistance as he may deem fit and where the Examining
Committee considered it necessary to do so, it shall re-examine the entire
film:
Provided that where a film is altered by excision or by the change of a
coloured film into black and transparent version only, it shall not ordinarily be
necessary to appoint an Examining Committee unless the Regional Officer in any
case otherwise directs.
(3)
The Examining Committee, appointed under sub-rule (2) shall consist of
one member of the Advisory Panel and an Examining Officer,
Provided that where the Examining Officer is unavoidably absent at the
examination of the film, the Examining Committee shall consist of two members
of the Advisory Panel.
(4)
Pending examination of the altered film under this rule, the applicant
shall not exhibit the film incorporating the proposed alteration.
(5)
Where the film or any portion thereof as the case may be, is re-examined
under this rule, the Chairperson shall unless, for reasons to be recorded in
writing, he declines permission for the alteration, make suitable endorsement
in the certificate granted in relation to the film.
Rule 32. Certificates :-
(1)
A certificate authorising the public exhibition of a film shall be in one
of the forms [Forms IV, IV-A, V, V-A, VI, VI-A, VII or VII-A] set out in the
Second Schedule according as the film is fit for U or UA with UA marker or A or
S or [V/U or V/UA with UA marker or V/A or V/S] certificate as the case may be.
(2)
The certificate shall be signed for and on behalf of the Board by the
Chairperson or by a regional officer for the Chairperson.
(3)
The prescribed mark of the Board shall be a film copy of the certificate,
i.e. a trailer certificate which shall be affixed to the film and always
exhibited with it, where the trailer certificate shall be for such duration as
one can read it on the screen:
Provided that Part I or Part II of the certificate shall be shown for a
minimum duration of 10 seconds each:
Provided further that if there are no excisions or modifications ordered
by the Board, Part II of the certificate need not be shown.
Rule 33. Fees :-
(1) A fee shall be charged for the examination of every
film at the rates laid down in the following Table which may be amended from
time to time by the Central Government and shall be payable through the
ecinepramaan portal:
Table of Fees
|
Duration
in minutes (up to and inclusive of ) |
Examination
Fees (Other than Predominantly Educational films) (in rupees) |
Examination
Fees (Predominantly Educational films) (in rupees) |
Screening
Fees (in rupees) |
|
(1) |
(2) |
(3) |
(4) |
|
10 |
1,900 |
550 |
150 |
|
20 |
3,650 |
1,100 |
300 |
|
30 |
5,950 |
1,200 |
400 |
|
40 |
7,350 |
1,450 |
550 |
|
50 |
9,150 |
1,850 |
700 |
|
60 |
10,900 |
2,200 |
850 |
|
70 |
12,700 |
2,550 |
950 |
|
80 |
14,700 |
2,950 |
1,050 |
|
90 |
17,650 |
3,300 |
1,250 |
|
100 |
18,250 |
3,650 |
1,400 |
|
110 |
20,050 |
4,000 |
1,550 |
|
120 |
21,850 |
4,350 |
1,650 |
|
130 |
23,800 |
4,750 |
1,800 |
|
140 |
23,800 |
5,100 |
1,950 |
|
150 |
27,200 |
5,450 |
2,100 |
|
160 |
29,150 |
5,850 |
2,200 |
|
170 |
30,950 |
6,200 |
2,350 |
|
180 |
32,750 |
6,550 |
2,500 |
|
190 |
34,750 |
6,950 |
2,650 |
|
200 |
36,300 |
7,250 |
2,800 |
(2)
Application under the priority scheme may be made upon payment of 3 times
the fee payable for examination of the film as per sub-rule (1) of rule 33, for
scheduling examination of a filmpreferably within five days, subject to
available slots as decided by Central Board of Film Certification.
(3)
Fee for the examination of a film for certifying alterations under rule
31 shall be calculated only with reference to the contents, in which the
portions excised, added, coloured, or otherwise altered occur and for the
purposes at the rates notified from time to time by the Central Government, for
original certification shall be applicable:
(4)
In the event of an application for certification being withdrawn before
the film is examined, the Board may, on an application, refund to the applicant
the amount of fee paid towards the examination of the film after deducting 25
per cent. of the amount so paid.
(5)
In the event of an applicant failing to present a print before the
Examining Committee or the Revising Committee on the day and time and at the
place fixed for such examination, an additional fee of 25 per cent. of the fee
payable for examination of the film shall be paid before another place, date
and time for the examination of the film is fixed.
Rule 34. Power of entry :-
The Chairperson or any member of the Board or an
advisory panel or a Regional Officer or any other officer or member of the
staff of the Board or any officer of the Central government authorised in
writing by the Chairperson, or members, or any officer of the Central
Government authorised in writing by the Secretary to the Government of India in
the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in this behalf may enter any place
licensed under the law in force relating to cinemas, in the discharge of their
duties under the Act or these rules and thereupon the owner or the manager of
such place shall provide him with a seat of the highest rate or the next lower
class to view the film without charging the admission fee and entertainment
tax.
Rule 35. Advertisement of films :-
Any person advertising a film granted UA with UA
marker, A or S certificate or the exhibition of such film by means of insertions
in newspapers, hoardings, posters, handbills or trailers shall, after the date
of its certification, indicate in such insertions in newspapers, hoardings,
posters, handbills or trailers that the film has been certified for such public
exhibition and such advertisement shall indicate only the certified title of a
film.
Rule 36. Maintenance of Records :-
(1)
The Board and Regional Officers shall maintain an electronic record of
the following -
(a)
the name of every film examined under the Act;
(b)
the name of the person applying for the certificate;
(c)
the name of the person or company producing or releasing the film;
(d)
the name of the country in which the film was originally produced;
(e)
the name of the place where the film was examined;
(f)
the date of the examination;
(g)
the names of the persons who examined the film;
(h)
the result of the examination and of any further proceedings thereon;
(i)
the number and date of the certificate issued, if any, together with a
copy of any endorsement made thereon
(j)
such other particulars as may be determined by the Board.
Rule 37. Time limit in relation to certification of films :-
(1)
After an application under rule 22 for the certification of a film,
complete in all respects (including the payment of fee) is received, the Board
shall scrutinize the application within seven days from the receipt thereof.
(2)
The Board shall, within fifteen days from receiving an application under
sub-rule (1) refer the film for examination to an Examining Committee.
(3)
The films may be referred to the Examining Committee in the order in
which the applications are received:
Provided that the Regional Officer may on receipt of
request from any applicant and on payment of examination fee under rule 33 as
per the priority scheme, following the order of receipt of priority
application, alter the order of examination of the film.
(4)
(a) In case where the Examining Committee, after examination of the film,
considers that a scrutiny of the shooting script (including same-language
subtitles, same-language audio descriptions and same-language closed
captioning, if any) is necessary or the authenticity of the incidents depicted
in a film of historical, mythological, biographical, or legendary nature is to
be verified, a provisional report to that effect shall be submitted by the
Regional Officer to the Chairperson within a maximum of three working days
after such examination.
(b) An online communication shall be sent to the
applicant within a maximum of three working days following the receipt of the
Chairpersons order on the provisional report referred to in clause (a) and the
applicant shall submit the script or the authentic sources on which the subject
of his film, is based within five days from the date of such communication.
(c) In case, where the members of the Examining
Committee after the examination of the film submit to the Chairperson a
provisional report indicating that expert opinion on subjects depicted in the
film such as subjects relating to defense or foreign relations or any
particular religion or law or medicine or any other subject, should be sought
before the final report is submitted, the Chairperson may after taking into
consideration the circumstances of the case specify a time limit for obtaining
the expert opinion and for the submission of the final report of the Examining
Committee thereafter.
(d) In other cases, the script submitted by the
applicant or the authentic sources furnished by him shall be scrutinised by the
examining officer and the final report of the Examining Committee shall be
forwarded by the examining officer to the Chairperson within five days from the
date of receipt of the script or the authentic sources, as the case may be.
(5)
(a) On receipt of the orders of the Board on the recommendations of the
Examining Committee, in case where sub-section (2) of section 4 is applicable,
the communication to the applicant shall be issued within three days.
(b) The applicant shall submit his reply within five
working days of the receipt of the communication.
(6)
In case where the film is not referred to a Revising Committee, a
certificate shall be issued, or decision communicated within two days.
(7)
(a) In cases where a film is to be referred to a Revising Committee, the
Revising Committee shall be constituted within twenty days from the receipt of
the necessary documents from the applicant.
(b) The provisions of sub-rule (3) to (6) shall
apply mutatis mutandis to the examination of films by the Revising Committee.
(c) When a film is referred to another Revising
Committee or to the Board in terms of proviso to sub-rule (13) of rule 25, the
time limit will be further extended on the lines of clauses (a) and (b) of this
sub-rule.
(8)
The applicant shall submit the modifications and surrender the cuts, if
any, and the affected contents together with full particulars thereof, within a
period of fourteen working days from the date of the final orders of the Board
under section 4:
Provided that where the applicant applies to the
Board that they intend to appeal against the orders of the Board, the Board may
extend the period specified above for surrender of the cuts by such period as
it thinks fit, but in any case not beyond fourteen days from the date of
disposal of the appeal or from the date of expiration of the period for filing
the appeal in cases where no appeal is filed.
(9)
The modification or cuts and the affected contents shall be examined by
the regional officer within ten working days of the submission of the same.
(10)
If the modification or cuts are found to be due and adequate on the
scrutiny of the relevant contents and all particulars necessary for the
presentation of the certificate are fully furnished, certificate shall be
prepared and issued within five working days of the date of submission of the
film or upload of the final script on ecinepramaan portal, as the case may be,
as required under these rules.
(11)
If however the modification or cuts are found to be inadequate on a
scrutiny of the relevant contents, the regional officer shall record the same
and send within two days a further communication to the applicant through the
e-cinepramaan portal for compliance with the orders of the Board.
(12)
The applicant shall submit further modification or cuts to the regional
officer within three days from the date of receipt of the communication.
(13)
The Regional Officer shall again verify further modification or cuts and
the contents within five days of the receipt of the same and if the cuts are
found to be adequate a certificate shall be issued.
(14)
For the purpose of these rules, only working days shall be taken into
account while calculating time periods.
Rule 38. Preservation of records of certification of films :-
The records of certification of films shall be
preserved for a period as prescribed by the Board.
FIRST SCHEDULE
[See rule 22]
APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATION OF FILMS IMPORTED
INTO OR PRODUCED IN THE STATES/UNION TERRITORIES MENTIONED IN COLUMN 3 SHALL BE
PRESENTED AT THE REGIONAL OFFICE IN COL 2:
|
Sl. No. |
Regional
Office Situated at |
Films
imported into or produced in |
|
1 |
Bengaluru |
State of Karnataka |
|
2 |
Mumbai |
States of Goa, Gujrat, Madhya Pradesh and
Maharashtra and the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman
& Diu |
|
3 |
Kolkata |
States of Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal and
the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
|
4 |
Cuttack |
States of Odisha and Chhattisgarh |
|
5 |
Delhi |
States of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab,
Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the Union Territories of Jammu
& Kashmir, Ladakh, Chandigarh and Delhi |
|
6 |
Guwahati |
States of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland,
Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Tripura, Manipur. |
|
7 |
Hyderabad |
States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana |
|
8 |
Chennai |
State of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of
Puducherry |
|
9 |
Thiruvananthapuram |
State of Kerala and the Union Territory of
Lakshadweep |
Note:- [1] The dubbed version of a film, in whatever Indian language, will be
submitted for certification only to the Regional Office where the original
version of the film was certified in the first instance.
SECOND SCHEDULE
FORM III
[See
rule 31]
(Report under rule 31 of the Cinematograph (Certifications) Rules, 2024
regarding an alteration or alterations in a certified film. )
..........................
1.
Name of the
applicant :
2.
Name of the film :
3.
Certificate No.
Dated
4.
Particulars of
alterations :
Scene
No. Description of the scene/dialogue/song length
**
(Specify
the exact time-stamp of alteration or alterations in which the alteration or
alterations occurs or occur)
To
The
Chairman, Central Board of Film Certification Through the Regional Officer at
..................................
I
declare that the above particulars are true in every respect and are full
description of the alteration or alterations made in the film after its
certification.
Date:
Signature of Applicant
Address
:
Form IV
[See rule 32(1)]
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
CENTRAL BOARD OF FILM CERTIFICATION
THE CERTIFICATE IS VALID FOR THEATRICAL RELEASE
ONLY
PART
I
CERTIFICATE.NO..................................DATED..................................CATEGO
RY.................................. "U"
..................................
FILM..................................
DURATION MTS
After
examination of the film by the members of the Examining Committee/ Revising
Committee mentioned below and on the recommendations of the said Examining
Committee/ Revising Committee, the Board hereby certifies that the film is fit
for unrestricted public exhibition subject to excisions and modifications
listed in Part II on the reverse:-
UNRESTRICTED
PUBLIC EXHIBITION
Further
certified that the excisions and modifications imposed by the Board have
actually been carried out. Name of the applicant
Name
of the Producer CHAIRMAN
PART II
Particulars of excisions and modifications :
Form IV-A
[See rule 32(1)]
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
CENTRAL BOARD OF FILM CERTIFICATION
THIS CERTIFICATE IS VALID FOR VIDEO FILMS ONLY
PART
I
CERTIFICATE
NO..................................DATED..................................CATEGORY..................................
"V/U"..................................
FILM.................................. LENGTH
After
examination of the film by the members of the Examining Committee/ Revising
Committee mentioned below and on the recommendations of the said Examining
Committee/ Revising Committee, the Board hereby certifies that the film is fit
for unrestricted public exhibition subject to excisions and modifications
listed in Part II on the reverse:-
UNIVERSAL
VIDEO
Further
certified that the excisions and modifications imposed by the Board have
actually been carried out. Name of the applicant
Name
of the Producer CHAIRMAN
PART II
Particulars of excisions and modifications :
Form V
[See rule 32(1)]
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
CENTRAL BOARD OF FILM CERTIFICATION
THIS CERTIFICATE IS VALID FOR THEATRICAL RELEASE
ONLY
Part
I
CERTIFICATE.NO.......................DATED.......................CATEGORY.......................
"A".......................FILM.......................
LENGTH MTS
After
examination of the film by the members of the Examining Committee/ Revising
Committee mentioned below and on the recommendations of the said Examining
Committee/ Revising Committee, the Board hereby certifies that the film is fit
for public exhibition, restricted to adults only, subject to excisions and
modifications listed in Part II on the reverse:-
ADULTS
ONLY
Further
certified that the excisions and modifications imposed by the Board have
actually been carried out.
Name
of the applicant
Name
of the Producer CHAIRMAN
PART II
Particulars of excisions and modifications :
Form V-A
[See rule 32(1)]
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
CENTRAL BOARD OF FILM CERTIFICATION
THIS CERTIFICATE IS VALID FOR VIDEO FILMS ONLY
Part
I
CERTIFICATE.NO.......................DATED.......................CATEGORY.......................
"V/A".......................FILM.......................
After
examination of the film by the members of the Examining Committee/ Revising
Committee mentioned below and on the recommendations of the said Examining
Committee/ Revising Committee, the Board hereby certifies that the film is fit
for public exhibition, restricted to adults only, subject to excisions and
modifications listed in Part II on the reverse:-
ADULTS
ONLY VIDEO
Further
certified that the excisions and modifications imposed by the Board have
actually been carried out.
Name
of the applicant
Name
of the Producer CHAIRMAN
PART II
Particulars of excisions and modifications :
Form VI
[See rule 32(1)]
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
CENTRAL BOARD OF FILM CERTIFICATION
THIS CERTIFICATE IS VALID FOR THEATRICAL RELEASE
ONLY
Part
I
CERTIFICATE.NO...................DATED...................CATEGORY..................."U/A
with U/A marker"................... FILM ...................
After
examination of the film by the members of the Examining Committee/ Revising
Committee mentioned below and on the recommendations of the said Examining
Committee/ Revising Committee,the Board hereby certifies that the film is fit
for public exhibition with endorsement of caution that the question as to
whether in child below the age of seven , thirteen or sixteen years may be
allowed to see the film should be considered by the parents or the guardian of
such child and also subject to excisions and modifications listed in Part II on
the reverse:-
PARENTAL
GUIDANCE
Further
certified that the excisions and modifications imposed by the Board have
actually been carried out.
Name
of the applicant
Name
of the Producer CHAIRMAN
PART II
Particulars of excisions and modifications :
Form VI-A
[See rule 32(1)]
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
CENTRAL BOARD OF FILM CERTIFICATION
THIS CERTIFICATE IS VALID FOR VIDEO FILMS ONLY
Part
I
CERTIFICATE.NO...................DATED...................CATEGORY...................
"V/A"...................
FILM................... LENGTH MTS
After
examination of the film by the members of the Examining Committee/ Revising
Committee mentioned below and on the recommendations of the said Examining
Committee/ Revising Committee, the Board hereby certifies that the film is fit
for public exhibition with endorsement of caution that the question as to
whether in child below the age of seven, thirteen or sixteen years may be
allowed to see the film should be considered by the parents or the guardian of
such child and also subject to excisions and modifications listed in Part II on
the reverse:-
PARENTAL
GUIDANCE VIDEO
Further
certified that the excisions and modifications imposed by the Board have
actually been carried out.
Name
of the applicant
Name
of the Producer CHAIRMAN
PART
II
Particulars
of excisions and modifications :
Form
VII
[See
rule 32(1)]
GOVERNMENT
OF INDIA
CENTRAL
BOARD OF FILM CERTIFICATION
THIS
CERTIFICATE IS VALID FOR THEATRICAL RELEASE ONLY
Part
I
CERTIFICATE.NO......................DATED......................CATEGORY......................
"S"...................... FILM......................
After examination of the film by the members of the Examining Committee/
Revising Committee mentioned below and on the recommendations of the said
Examining Committee/ Revising Committee the Board hereby certifies that the
film is fit for public exhibition restricted to members of any profession or
any class of persons, subject to excisions and modifications listed in Part II
on the reverse:-
SPECIALISED AUDIENCE
Further certified that the excisions and modifications imposed by the Board
have actually been carried out.
Name of the applicant
Name of the Producer CHAIRMAN
PART II
Particulars of excisions and modifications :
Form VII-A
[See rule 32(1)]
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
CENTRAL BOARD OF FILM CERTIFICATION
THIS CERTIFICATE IS VALID FOR VIDEO FILMS ONLY
Part
I
CERTIFICATE.NO......................DATED......................CATEGORY......................
"V/S" ......................FILM......................
After
examination of the film by the members of the Examining Committee/ Revising
Committee/ mentioned below and on the recommendations of the said Examining
Committee/ Revising Committee, the Board hereby certifies that the film is fit
for public exhibition restricted to members of any profession or any class of
persons, subject to excisions and modifications listed in Part II on the
reverse
SPECIALISED
AUDIENCE VIDEO
Further
certified that the excisions and modifications imposed by the Board have
actually been carried out.
Name
of the applicant
Name
of the Producer CHAIRMAN
PART II
Particulars of excisions and modifications :
FORM VIII
[See rules 23(11) and 25(10)]
CENTRAL
aBOARD OF FILM CERTIFICATION
Form
of Report of Member of Examining/Revising Committee
N.B.
:- Please study the guidelines issued by the Government once again before you
preview the film. Title of the film and language........................
Colour/Black and White ........................ Running time of the
film........................
Date
of Examination........................ Name of the
Member........................
I.
I certify that I
have carefully examined the above film with reference to the guidelines.
I
recommend refusal of certificate to the film. OR
I
recommend the grant of the following certificate U/UA with UA marker/ A / S
with excisions or/and modifications without excisions/ or and modification
[Delete whichever is not applicable]
II.
In the case of
grant of S certificate, please specify the class or group of persons which
should constitute the specialised audience:-
........................................................................
III.
Reasons for
refusal of certificate or grant of UA with UA marker/ A / S certificate.
........................................................................
Note:
U unrestricted public exhibition UA with UA marker- unrestricted public
exhibition with an endorsement of caution that the question as to whether in
child below the age of seven, thirteen or sixteen years may be allowed to see
the film should be considered by the parents or the guardian of such child.
A-
public exhibition restricted to adults.
S-
public exhibition restricted to members of any profession or any class of
persons.
IV.
Details of
excisions/modifications (Please see note below)
|
Sl No |
Clear and
Specific description of excisions or modifications |
Reasons
with specific reference to the guidelines |
|
|
|
|
V.
Thematic
classification (only in the case of feature films):-
VI. Any
other remarks (including justification for permitting certain visuals and/or
words prima facie appear to be objectionable)
VII. I
certify that there would be no infraction of the guidelines if the film is
granted a certificate as recommended above.
I
also certify that the film has been judged in its entirety from the point of
view of its overall impact; that the film has been examined in the light of the
period depicted in the film and contemporary standards of the country and the
people to which the film relates; and that the film does not deprive the
morality of the people.
I
certify that while recommending the film for unrestricted public exhibition I
have satisfied myself that the film is suitable for family viewing, including
children.
......................
Signature
Notes:
1. While recommending excisions the beginning and the end of the excision
should be clearly described and the time period of the excision may be given as
a percentage of the total scene.
2.
If certain portions are to be completely deleted whole reducing a scene or
sequence these should be specified.
FORM-IX
[See
rule 27]
I/We ...............................the applicant(s) in respect of the film by
the Board of Film Certification in the film............................... do
hereby declare that the portion(s) objected to by the Board of Film
Certification in the film ............................... as endorsed on the
certificate have been excised from the film.
I/We
further declare that the above declaration is correct in all respects.
...............................
Signature
of applicant
Place:
Name:
Date
: Address:
THIRD SCHEDULE
[See
rule 23(14)]
Based on the type and length of the content to be certified, an examining
officer shall send the recommendations of all members of the Examining
Committee under sub-rule (14) of rule 23 to the authority given below:
|
S. No. |
Type and
length of the Content |
Authority
for approving the Content |
|
1. |
Theatrical Long (more than 72 minutes) |
Chairperson |
|
2. |
Theatrical Medium (10 to 72 minutes) |
Chairperson |
|
3. |
Theatrical Short (less than 10 minutes) –
Trailer/ Teaser/ Promo and other cinematic content |
Chairperson |
|
4. |
Theatrical Short (less than 10 minutes) – Others |
Regional Officer concerned |
|
5. |
Dubbed Theatrical Long |
Regional Officer concerned |
|
6. |
Dubbed Theatrical Medium |
Regional Officer concerned |
|
7. |
Dubbed Theatrical Short |
Regional Officer concerned |
|
8. |
Video Long/ Medium |
Chief Executive Officer |
|
9. |
Video Short – Trailer/ Teaser/ Promo and other
cinematic content |
Chairperson |
|
10. |
Video Short – Others |
Regional Officer concerned |
|
11. |
Category Conversion Long |
Chief Executive Officer |
|
12. |
Revised Film Category |
Chief Executive Officer |
Note: (1) The above table can be amended by the Board from time to time with
the approval of the Central Government.