I&B Ministry
MIB sends TV channels’ list to Home Ministry for fresh security clearance
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has forwarded a list of 82 TV channels, teleports and news agencies to the Home Ministry for a fresh round of security clearance as their initial ten-year licenses expire.
Last week, the Home Ministry had also agreed to examine all cases of multi-system operators (MSOs) awaiting security clearance to get licenses for digital addressable system. MIB secretary Bimal Julka told Indiantelevision.com that the initial license was for ten years. Julka will also be meeting concerned officials of the Home Ministry in this regard.
If found suitable, permission will be granted for renewal for an interim period up to 31 December, 2015 or till the final decision on channels’ application for renewal of permission is taken, whichever is earlier.
However, TV channels, teleports, news agencies and MSOs have been asked to furnish an affidavit to the effect that the company will abide by all the provisions of the latest Uplinking/ Downlinking Guidelines and other relevant instructions/ modifications issued from time to time.
All applicants have been asked to send the information to the MIB along with supporting documents within l5 days to enable it to proceed further in the matter.
Prominent names among those whose cases are coming up for renewal include several channels of Bennett, Coleman & Co., Eenadu Television, Panorama Television, Prism TV, Television Eighteen India, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Zee Media Corporation (erstwhile Zee News), IBN18 Broadcast and Times Global Broadcasting Company.
Broadcasters may also enclose the details of Board of Directors (BOD) and latest Share Holding Pattern (SHP) including foreign direct investment (FDI) component, if any, duly accompanied by requisite approval of the Foreign Investments Promotion Board (FIPB).
The companies were also asked to ensure submission of the annual renewal fee for both Uplinking and Downlinking at rates as applicable as per Guidelines and for the period that may be due.
For full list of TV channels, Teleports and News Agencies, click here.
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: 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.
