(Movie on Former PM Indira Gandhi – Emergency starring MP & Actress Kangana Ranaut)
Recent Context:
Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is yet to award certification to actor and Mandi Lok Sabha member Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Satyapal Jain said the Board will keep in mind the sentiments of all communities, including the Sikh community.
Process for attaining Certificate from CBFC for releasing the movie:
-Once a filmmaker applies for certification, an Examining Committee is appointed by the Regional Officer. In the case of short films, it consists of a member of the advisory panel and an examining officer, one of whom has to be a woman. Else, it has four members from the advisory panel and an examining officer of who two persons are to be women.
– Certification— unrestricted public exhibition (U), parental guidance for children below age 12 (U/A), adult (A), or viewing by specialised groups (S) — is decided by the Regional Officer based on reports by Examining Committee members in unanimity or majority. In case of a divided opinion, the case rests with the chairperson.
-If a filmmaker is unhappy or dissatisfied with the certification, she or he can ask for a second viewing.
– A Revising Committee cannot have any of the members who were on the earlier committee; and it also has to have a Board member (or more) on it, mandatorily.
-It is only at this stage that a Board member gets involved with the certification process,there is nothing to prevent a Board member from being part of the initial viewing, but their presence becomes mandatory only at the revising stage.
Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
- The CBFC, popularly known as the Censor Board, is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
- It regulates the public exhibition of films in India under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
- Films can be publicly exhibited in India only after they have been certified by the CBFC.
- The certification process is in accordance with the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the Cinematograph (certification) Rules, 1983, and the guidelines issued by the Central Government.
- The CBFC has one chairperson and other members (not less than 12 but not exceeding 25) who are appointed by the Central Government.
- It has its headquarters in Mumbai.
- It has nine regional offices, one each at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Cuttack, and Guwahati.
- The regional offices are assisted in the examination of films by Advisory Panels.
- The members of the panels are nominated by the Central Government by drawing people from different walks of life for a period of two years.
- Categories of film certification: There are four categories of films based on their content.
U (Universal): Viewers of all age groups can view a U-certified film.
U/A: Although these movies are universal, children under the age of 12 require adult supervision.
A: Only meant for exhibitions before adults.
S: These are movies for special classes like doctors and farmers.
The board shall occasionally conduct seminars of film critics, writers, and people connected with the industry, along with national surveys, to determine the public reaction for making guidelines for certifying the films.
Provisions for Censorship:
Article 19(2) of the Constitution authorises the government to impose, by law, reasonable restrictions upon the freedom of speech and expression in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.
The Cinematograph Act, 1952 also provides for similar provisions as stated under Article 19(2).
Censorship of movies can have several advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
Protection of Minors: Censorship can prevent minors from accessing content that might be inappropriate or harmful, such as explicit violence or sexual content.
Cultural Sensitivity: It can help avoid offending cultural, religious, or societal norms, promoting social harmony and respect for diverse beliefs.
Preventing Misinformation: Censorship can limit the spread of false or misleading information, especially in politically or socially sensitive contexts.
Reducing Harm: It can prevent the glorification of harmful behaviors, such as substance abuse or criminal activities, which might influence audiences negatively.
Disadvantages:
Freedom of Expression: Censorship can infringe on artistic freedom and the right of creators to express their vision and ideas.
Cultural Stagnation: By restricting creative content, censorship might limit cultural and artistic innovation and diversity.
Information Control: It can be used to suppress political dissent, control public opinion, or manipulate the narrative in ways that benefit those in power.
Subjectivity: Decisions on what should be censored can be highly subjective and influenced by the biases of those in control, leading to inconsistent and unfair practices.
Overall, the impact of censorship depends on how it is implemented and the balance it strikes between protecting society and preserving individual freedoms.