- Why in news
- On 16 September 2026, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification with 18 members, for three years or until further orders.
- What it is
- The CBFC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It examines films and certifies them for public exhibition in India under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. Its members are appointed by the Central Government.
- Legal basis
- The Board is reconstituted under sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, read with Rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.
- Term
- The new Board serves for three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
- Size
- The reconstituted Board has 18 members.
- Notification date
- The Ministry issued the notification on 16 September 2026.
- Parent ministry
- CBFC works under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Don’t confuse with CBFC vs Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT): CBFC certifies films. FCAT heard appeals against its decisions; it was abolished in 2021.
Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.
Why it matters
- The Board shapes what films reach the public, so its makeup affects free expression and cultural standards.
Problems
- Film certification must balance Article 19(1)(a) free speech against the reasonable restrictions in Article 19(2).
- Members are chosen by the government, which raises concerns about independence.
Way forward
- Use transparent, expertise-based selection of members and clear published guidelines for certification decisions.
Put in your answer
Cinematograph Act, 1952: The Act is the law governing film certification and the constitution of the Board.
- 2014Mains GS2 · Q4Define freedom of expression; does it cover hate speech; why films differ
- 2015Mains GS2 · Q16Discuss need for independent, autonomous regulatory institutions, citing recent experiences
- 2004Prelims Q49Which statements about Children's Film Society and CBFC chairpersons, and Phalke Award recipients, are correct
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Statutory body under Cinematograph Act, 1952, Section 3, reconstituted with 18 members. Statutory bodies are 7 of 327 news-linked Prelims questions.
Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.