I&B Ministry
I&B Ministry warns Jammu & Kashmir DPOs against carrying unauthorised channels
MUMBAI: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a warning to MSOs and cable operators in Jammu and Kashmir. In a communication issued by joint secretary Vikram Sahay, it has unequivocally asked them to cease transmitting unauthorised channels on their cable TV networks and comply with the provisions of the Cable TV Regulations Act, 1995.
Sub Rule 6(6) of the Cable TV Rules specifies that no cable operator/MSO shall carry or include in his cable service any television broadcast or channel which has not been registered by the central government for being viewed within the territory of India.
Failure to comply with these directions would invite penal action by the central and state governments/UT including withdrawal of license and confiscation of equipment.
The ministry released a notice stating that some private channels which are not permitted by the MIB are being transmitted by some cable operators on their networks. The ministry has reports of the broadcast of unauthorised channels by LCOs/MSOs in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which are not permitted by this ministry for being broadcast into the country.
It further said, “The UT administration/district administration may ensure that no TV channels, which are not permitted, are transmitted in your district by any cable operator. In case of violations, necessary and prompt action must be taken by the authorized officers in the district against the defaulters to stop transmission of these channels.”
I&B Ministry
CBFC speeds up film certification; average approval time cut to 22 days
Over 71,900 films cleared in five years as digital system shortens approval timelines
MUMBAI:Â The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has significantly reduced the time taken to certify films, with the average approval timeline now down to 22 working days for feature films and just three days for short films.
Operating under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the statutory body certifies films for public exhibition in line with the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. The rules prescribe a maximum certification period of 48 working days, though the adoption of the Online Certification System has sharply accelerated the process.
Over the past five years, from 2020-21 to 2024-25, the board certified a total of 71,963 films across formats. Of these, the majority fell under the U category with 41,817 titles, followed by UA with 28,268 films and A with 1,878 films. No films were certified under the S category during the period.
Film approvals have also steadily risen in recent years. The CBFC cleared 8,299 films in 2020-21, a figure that peaked at 18,070 in 2022-23 before settling at 15,444 films in 2024-25. During the same period, 11,064 films were certified with cuts or modifications.
Despite the high volume of certifications, outright refusals remain rare. Only three films were denied certification over the last five years, with one refusal recorded in 2022-23 and two in 2024-25.
The board may recommend cuts or modifications if a film violates statutory parameters relating to the sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, defamation, contempt of court or incitement to an offence.
Filmmakers can challenge CBFC decisions in court. Data shows that such disputes remain limited but have seen some fluctuation. Between 2021 and 2025, a total of 21 certification decisions were challenged before High Courts, with the number rising to 10 cases in 2025.
Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, minister of state for information and broadcasting L. Murugan shared the data. The question was raised by Mallikarjun Kharge.
With faster timelines and a largely digital workflow, the certification process appears to be moving at a far brisker pace, signalling a shift towards quicker clearances for India’s growing film output.
