New CBFC guidelines tighten rules on violence, drugs and other sensitive content

New Delhi: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued revised guidelines for film certification, introducing stricter provisions on the portrayal of violence, narcotic drugs, sexual violence, child abuse and other sensitive subjects. The revised guidelines were issued on September 18, 2026, replacing the earlier guidelines notified in 1991.

The new guidelines cover issues including drug consumption and trafficking, violence, sexual violence, child abuse, religious and communal content, portrayal of women, cruelty to animals, depiction of persons with disabilities, national security and the dignity of courts.

Mandatory warning for drug-related scenes

The revised guidelines make it mandatory for scenes depicting the consumption or trafficking of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances to carry a statutory warning. They also state that films should not justify or glorify drinking, drug addiction or tobacco consumption.

The guidelines further state that violence and anti-social activities should not be glorified or justified. Scenes involving sexual violence against women and child abuse are also subject to restrictions, while content degrading women or ridiculing persons with disabilities is addressed under the certification framework.

The revised framework also retains provisions concerning religious and communal content, anti-national attitudes, national security and other sensitive matters.

Age-based certification

The revised guidelines also include age-based UA categories — UA 7+, UA 13+ and UA 16+ — to provide parents with clearer guidance regarding children's viewing.

The government has said the revised framework is intended to ensure that film certification remains sensitive to social values while also avoiding undue curbs on artistic expression and creative freedom.