India has introduced revised film certification guidelines, bringing tighter rules for the depiction of drugs, violence, sexual violence, child abuse and other sensitive subjects. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting notified the new Central Board of Film Certification framework on September 18, replacing guidelines that had been in place since 1991.
One major change is a mandatory statutory warning for scenes showing the consumption or trafficking of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances. The prescribed warning states: “Illicit narcotics destroy health and guarantees imprisonment. Say No To Drugs”. The guidelines also prohibit films from justifying or glorifying alcohol consumption, drug addiction or tobacco use.
The revised framework asks the CBFC to limit unnecessary depictions of sexual violence, abuse of children, cruelty to animals and ridicule of people with disabilities. Violence and anti-social activities should not be glorified or justified, while content considered contemptuous toward religious or other groups is also restricted.
The age-based certification system introduced in 2025 remains in place, covering U/A 7+, U/A 13+ and U/A 16+ categories. The CBFC has also been directed to examine film titles for potentially provocative, vulgar or offensive content.
The updated rules replace an older framework that already restricted glorification of drug addiction but did not require a specific on-screen warning.
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