Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
Why it Matters?
The Kerala High Court questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over its objection to the use of the name 'Janaki' in the Malayalam film Janaki vs State of Kerala, highlighting that previous films like Seeta Aur Geeta and Ram Lakhan included divine names without issue.
What You Should Know?
The CBFC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
It is governed by the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983, and Central Government-issued guidelines.
It is popularly known as the Censor Board; its actual mandate is certification, not censorship.
It regulates the public exhibition of films, and no film can be publicly shown in India without its approval.
The Board is headed by a Chairperson and includes 12–25 members appointed by the Central Government.
CBFC functions through nine regional offices located in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Cuttack, and Guwahati.
Its advisory panels with members from diverse fields assist in film examination and are appointed for two-year terms.
Four categories of film certification include:
U (Universal): Suitable for all age groups.
U/A: Parental guidance advised for children below 12 years.
A: Restricted to adults only.
S: Restricted to specialized audiences like doctors, scientists.