Key Things to Know about CBFC and Film Certification Appellate Tribunal
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) also known as “Censor Board” is a statutory body under Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which grants certificate to regulate the public exhibition of films in India under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act 1952.
While the FCAT is the tribunal that hears the appeals filed by applicant who is aggrieved by an order of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The applicant has to file an appeal within 30 days from the date of the order of CBFC.
Vision & mission of CBFC is to promote recreation, education, good and healthy entertainment to public according to the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983”.
Members of CBFC board
The CBFC board is headed by central government appointed chairperson and 12-45 non-official members. The members are eminent persons from social science, education, law, arts or films background appointed for the tenure of three years.
Head Quarters of
- CBFC : Mumbai
- FCAT: New Delhi.
How does film gets certificate?
The certification is given by regional offices of the CBFC board situated in nine different region of India. Among them Mumbai is the prime regional office. One has to submit application for clearance certificate to the regional officer at the relevant regional centre, where the examining committee of that regional office views the film to grant them clearance.
If the applicant is not satisfied by the regional office decision then it goes to revising committee of the board members at the head office i.e. CBFC Board. This committee reviews the verdict given by regional offices and finally decides by majority vote.
Even if the applicant is not satisfied with the CBFC’s order can appeal to the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) in Delhi and can get the clearance certificate. The FCAT is headed by the retied SC judge.
Films are certified into four categories
- ‘U’ (Unrestricted)
- ‘UA’ (Unrestricted, but with caution that parental discretion is required for children under age 12)
- ‘A’ (Adult) and ‘S’ (Only for a special class of persons).
Why CBFC was in news recently?
On 16th January the chairperson of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Leela Samson has resigned due to the clearance of the controversial film Messenger of God by the FCAT. This film is featured by Dera Saccha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in lead role.
Earlier the censor board headed by Ms. Samson had denied the clearance certificate to this film, because it portrayed Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh as a God. Following her resignation, 9 board members also had resigned creating vacancies in the board which led to reconstitution of the entire board.
