7 hrs ago
Films Showing Drugs Must Carry Anti-Drug Warnings Under Guidelines
New rules say movies showing illegal drugs must display a warning on screen.
The warning says that narcotics can damage health and lead to imprisonment.
It applies when movies show people using, consuming or trafficking drugs.
Earlier rules already stopped films from glorifying or encouraging drug addiction.
The new rule adds a specific message for viewers.
Similar warnings were previously requested for streaming services and private television channels.
The Central Board of Film Certification uses these guidelines when examining films for public exhibition.
The guidelines also cover violence, sexual content, public order and other issues.
The Centre now requires films showing drug consumption, use or trafficking to display an anti-drug warning.
The mandated message reads: “Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs.”
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting notified the revised guidelines on September 16 under the Cinematograph Act.
Earlier rules prohibited scenes that encouraged, justified or glamorised drug addiction but did not require an on-screen warning.
Similar directions had already been issued to OTT platforms and private satellite television channels.
- Who
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Central Board of Film Certification are responsible for the revised film-certification framework.
- What
- Films depicting the consumption, use or trafficking of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances must display a mandatory anti-drug warning.
- Where
- The requirement applies to films submitted for public exhibition in India.
- When
- The revised guidelines were notified on September 16; the guidelines were last amended in May 2025.
- Why
- The Centre added the warning to existing rules against encouraging, justifying or glamorising drug addiction.
Key facts
- Mandatory warning
- “Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs.”
- Covered depictions
- Consumption, use or trafficking of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances.
- Issuing ministry
- Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
- Legal framework
- Film-certification guidelines issued under the Cinematograph Act.
- Earlier rule
- The Central Board of Film Certification had to prevent scenes encouraging, justifying or glamorising drug addiction, but no specific warning was required.
- Related platforms
- OTT platforms and private satellite television channels had already received similar directions.
- Recent CBFC changes
- The reconstituted 18-member board has a three-year term or continues until further orders, whichever comes earlier.
Quotes
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Central ministry responsible for notifying the revised film-certification guidelines
“Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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