CINEMATOGRAPH CERTIFICATION RULES, 2024

1. In March, 2015 the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B) has notified the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.
2. Aim:
   1. To streamline and modernize the film certification process for the digital age.
   2. To keep pace with the emerging technologies and advancement in film sector. 

Background

1. The Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 will replace the Cinematograph Rules 1983 version in a bid to improve the film certification process in accordance to the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act of 2023.
   1. The Cinematograph (Amendment) Act of 2023 amends the Cinematograph Act of 1952. It regulates how films are certified, shown, and censored in India.
   2. The Act establishes the Board of Film Certification, which certifies films for exhibition.
   3. Under the Act, severe restrictions to combat piracy have been outlined, including a Rs 3 lakh fine and a minimum 3 months in prison.

key aspects of improvements incorporated in the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 include

1. Online Certification Processes: The Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 Rules will bring more openness in implementation of online certification procedure.
2. Reduction in Certification Time-Lines: It will reduce processing times for film certification, as well as the adoption of fully digital methods to eliminate all transactional time.
3. Age-Based Certification: The 2024 Rules include more complex certification categories that are based on age.
   1. The Rules intend to provide parents and guardians with more assistance by breaking the current "UA" (Unrestricted Public Exhibition-But with Parental assistance) category into 3 separate groups, instead of 12 years:
      1. 7 Years (UA 7+)
      2. 13 Years (UA 13+)
      3. 16 Years (UA 16+).
4. Validity of Certificates: The new Rules eliminate the 10-year certification validity period, giving credentials eternal validity in a major departure from the past.
5. Television Broadcast Recertification: Only films certified under the Unrestricted Public Exhibition category may be televised; edited films meant for this purpose must first go through recertification.
6. Priority Screening of Films: The Rules establish a mechanism for the priority screening of films in an effort to increase efficiency and transparency.

Conclusion

The new Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, incorporate advances in cinema technology and shifting audience demographics over the last four decades. These amended Rules will promote a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive film certification process, hence ensuring Indian cinema's sustained growth and success.