MIB Reduces Film Certification Time Amid Jana Nayagan Controversy

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) of India has reported that the average time taken for film certification has been reduced to 18 days. This news comes in the wake of the ongoing controversy surrounding the Tamil film 'Jana Nayagan,' which has encountered delays in securing approval from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs L Murugan provided this update during a session in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's Parliament. He explained that the reduction in certification time has been facilitated by the implementation of the Online Certificate System. Previously, the stipulated timeframe for film certification was 48 days, while short films are now processed within just three days.

The CBFC operates in accordance with the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. The ministry also disclosed statistics regarding the number of films challenged before the revising committee or the High Court since the abolition of the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) in 2021. As per MIB data, the current time taken by the revising committee for film reviews adheres to the limitations set forth in Rule 37(7) of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.

The revising committee serves as a multi-tier grievance redress mechanism, allowing filmmakers to appeal decisions. "Cuts or modifications are recommended only if the content violates statutory parameters concerning sovereignty and integrity of India, security, public order, decency, morality, defamation, contempt of court, or incitement to offence," clarified the ministry.

Should filmmakers disagree with the CBFC's decisions, the Cinematograph Act allows for appeals against the board’s decisions in the High Court. The MIB emphasised its commitment to ensuring a transparent and accountable certification process that protects creative freedom while fulfilling its responsibilities under the Cinematograph Act.

The film 'Jana Nayagan,' produced by KVN Productions, has faced significant hurdles in its certification journey. The production team submitted the film to the CBFC on December 18. Following an initial review on December 22, they were informed that the film would receive a UA 16+ rating, contingent upon the implementation of 14 cuts and modifications. After a period of uncertainty regarding the film's status, the producer filed a request with the Madras High Court to expedite the certification process.

Subsequently, the film was reportedly referred to the revising committee. However, after a single judge requested the CBFC to proceed with the certification, the board obtained a stay on this order from an appellate bench of the High Court. Although the producer approached the Supreme Court for relief, they were directed to seek assistance from the High Court again.

Currently, the situation remains unresolved; the producer has yet to receive confirmation regarding the film’s status with the revising committee. Both the CBFC and the film’s production team have declined to provide updates on whether the film was indeed sent to the revising committee following the High Court order.