MUMBAI: Over the last three years, the number of films refused certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has gone down.

While in 2005 the number of films that were refused certification were 18, in 2006 it was 59, whereas in 2007, the number went down to 11. On the other hand, in 2005, 2006 and 2007 the number of films that were certified with cuts were 473, 453 and 395 respectively.

The CBFC certifies films as per the provisions of Cinematograph Act, 1952 and Rules and Guidelines framed thereunder. Scenes which are violative of the provisions of the Act, Rules and Guidelines are deleted. While certifying films care is taken to categorise films whose contents are not suitable for minors as ‘A’.  

The guidelines inter alia stipulate the following.

– Anti-social activities such as violence are not glorified and justified.

– Pointless or avoidable scenes of violence, cruelty and horror, scenes of violence primarily intended to provide entertainment and such scenes as may have the effect of desensitizing or dehumanizing people are not shown.

– Human sensibilities are not offended by vulgarity, obscenity, or depravity;

– Words with dual meaning as obviously cater to baser instincts are not allowed;

– Scenes degrading or denigrating women in any manner are not presented;

– Scenes showing sexual perversions shall be avoided and if such matters are germane to the theme, they shall be reduced to the minimum and no details are shown.