I&B Ministry
Rules focus on self-classification, not censorship: Javadekar tells OTTs
KOLKATA: Minister of information and broadcasting Prakash Javadekar on Thursday held an interaction with representatives of various OTT platforms including from Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Jio, Zee5, Viacom18, Shemaroo, Mx Player, ALTBalaji.
The Union minister mentioned that the government had engaged in several rounds of consultation with OTT players in the past and stressed the need for self-regulation.
Javadekar stated that he had received representations from cinema and TV industries that while there were regulations for them, none existed for the video streaming industry. Thus, it was decided that the government would come out with a progressive institutional mechanism for OTT players and develop a level playing field with the idea of self-regulation. The minister appreciated that many OTT platforms had welcomed the rules.
Informing the industry representatives about the provisions of the rules, the minister said it merely requires them to disclose information and that there is no requirement of registration of any kind with the ministry. He added that a form for this will be ready soon. Quelling fears over curtailment of creative freedom, he stated that the new digital media rules focus on self-classification of content instead of any form of censorship. Further, OTT platforms are expected to develop an effective grievance redressal mechanism.
Previously, the Centre had proposed a three-tier mechanism for these platforms for content-related issues. The first tier would be officials appointed by these companies. As a second-tier, there would be a self-regulatory body that would address complaints. The third tier would be a government-appointed panel.
Dispelling rumours, the minister clarified that in the self-regulatory body, no member will be appointed by the government, and that an inter-departmental committee will be formed to look into complaints that remain unresolved at the self-regulatory level.
The industry representatives welcomed the rules and thanked the minister for addressing most of their concerns. Finally, the minister added that the ministry is open to any clarification or queries from the industry.
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.
