Government Adds Mandatory Anti-Drug Disclaimer to Film Certification Guidelines

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued film certification guidelines outlining the principles to be followed by the Board of Film Certification while clearing movies for public exhibition, with a fresh provision requiring an anti-drug statutory warning for scenes involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Issued under Section 5B(2) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the guidelines seek to balance artistic and creative freedom with social responsibility. They state that certification should remain responsive to changing social standards while encouraging films to provide wholesome entertainment and maintain aesthetic and cinematic quality.

New provision on portrayal of drugs

While several of the certification principles continue from the existing framework, the guidelines include an additional requirement concerning the portrayal of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in films.

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Scenes depicting or involving the consumption, use or trafficking of such substances will have to be accompanied by the statutory warning: “Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs.”

The provision adds a specific on-screen warning requirement to the broader certification principle that films should not encourage, justify or glamorize drug addiction. Existing restrictions concerning the glorification of drinking, tobacco consumption and smoking also continue.

Curbs on violence and portrayal of crime

The guidelines state that films should not glorify or justify violence and other anti-social activities. The methods used by criminals, as well as visuals or dialogue likely to encourage the commission of an offense, should not be depicted in a manner prohibited by the certification norms.

The rules also contain safeguards concerning children, including unnecessary portrayals of them as victims or perpetrators of violence, forced witnesses to violence or victims of abuse.

Needless depictions of cruelty to animals and the abuse or ridicule of persons with physical or mental disabilities are also discouraged. Avoidable scenes of violence, cruelty and horror, particularly those intended primarily as entertainment and capable of desensitizing or dehumanizing audiences, should not be shown.

Sexual violence and portrayal of women

The certification framework calls for avoiding vulgarity, obscenity and depravity, as well as double-meaning expressions intended to appeal to baser instincts.

It also states that women should not be degraded or denigrated. Scenes involving rape, attempted rape, molestation or other forms of sexual violence should be avoided. Where such incidents are integral to the theme of a film, their depiction should be kept to the minimum necessary without showing unnecessary details.

Communal harmony, security and public order

The guidelines restrict visuals or words contemptuous of racial, religious or other groups and prohibit content promoting communal, obscurantist, anti-scientific or anti-national attitudes.

They also state that films should not call into question the sovereignty and integrity of India, jeopardize the security of the State, strain friendly relations with foreign countries or endanger public order.

The certification principles additionally cover defamatory material and contempt of court. The use of national symbols and emblems must comply with the provisions of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.

Overall context to determine certification

The Board is required to assess a film in its entirety and consider its overall impact rather than judging individual scenes in isolation. The period depicted in a film and contemporary standards relating to the country and people concerned are also to be taken into account.

Films that meet the broader certification criteria but are considered unsuitable for non-adults may be certified for adult audiences. For unrestricted public exhibition, the Board is expected to ensure that a film is suitable for family viewing, including viewing by children.