I&B Ministry
Modi’s monthly broadcast reminds media about National Emergency’s shackles
NEW DELHI: “There might have been locks on newspaper houses, radio might have been speaking just one kind of language,” but “given the opportune moment, the citizens gave an example of the power of Democracy.”
Referring to the National Emergency that was declared on the night of 25-26 June 1975, 41 years ago to the date, in his monthly ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Modi added, “A great example of the democratic strength of the common people was witnessed during Emergency”.
The 21st edition of ‘Mann ki Baat’ on 26 June 2016 on All India Radio coincided with the anniversary of the declaration of the National Emergency of 1975, often referred to as the dark day for the Indian media.
Modi said the country’s strength lies in its people and and making democracy a living embodiment.
He noted at the outset that “sometimes my ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is ridiculed a lot and is criticized much also. However, this can only happen because all of us are committed to democracy.”
(In the May broadcast, Modi had lauded All India Radio for broadcasting his monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’ in regional languages on the day he talks to the nation.)
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.
