Section 5B of The Cinematograph Act, 1952
- (1)A film shall not be certified for public exhibition if, in the opinion of the authority competent to grant the certificate, the film or any part of it is against the interests of 1[the sovereignty and integrity of India] the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or involves defamation or contempt of court or is likely to incite the commission of any offence.
- (2)Subject to the provisions contained in sub-section (1), the Central Government may issue such directions as it may think fit setting out the principles which shall guide the authority competent to grant certificates under this Act in sanctioning films for public exhibition.
Summary
- A film will be denied a certificate if it harms the sovereignty, integrity, or security of India.
- Certification will also be refused if the film damages friendly relations with foreign states or disrupts public order.
- Films that violate decency or morality, involve defamation or contempt of court, or encourage people to commit crimes cannot be certified.
- The Central Government has the power to issue guiding principles for the authority that grants these certificates.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Can a film be banned for being immoral?
Yes, if the authority decides it goes against the interests of decency or morality, it will not be certified.
2. Does the government control the specific rules for certification?
The Central Government can issue directions setting out the principles to guide the certifying authority.
3. What happens if a film insults a friendly country?
It will not be certified because the law protects friendly relations with foreign states.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 5B of The Cinematograph Act, 1952, which of the following is a specific ground to refuse a film certificate?
Q2.Under Section 5B of The Cinematograph Act, 1952, who is authorised to issue directions setting out the principles of guidance for certifying films?
Q3.Under Section 5B of The Cinematograph Act, 1952, a film will be denied a certificate if it is against the interests of which type of international relationship?
Q4.Under Section 5B of The Cinematograph Act, 1952, can a film be certified if it encourages viewers to commit a crime?