Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Films Depicting Drugs Must Now Carry Anti-Drug Warnings
New rules say movies showing illegal drugs must put a warning on the screen.
The warning says that narcotics can damage health and lead to imprisonment.
It applies to scenes showing people using, consuming or trafficking drugs.
Older rules already stopped films from encouraging or praising drug addiction.
The new rule adds a specific message for viewers.
Similar instructions were previously given to streaming services and private television channels.
The rules also include age guidance categories for children and teenagers.
The Central Board of Film Certification uses these rules when checking films for public exhibition.
Films showing the consumption, use or trafficking of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances must 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 barred scenes that encouraged, justified or glamorised drug addiction but did not require a specific on-screen warning.
The guidelines also add age markers, while similar anti-drug directions have 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 carry a mandatory anti-drug warning.
- When
- The revised guidelines were notified on September 16; the guidelines were last amended in May 2025.
- Where
- The requirement applies to films submitted for public exhibition in India.
- Why
- The Centre added a specific warning to existing rules against encouraging, justifying or glamorising drug addiction.
- Mandatory warning
- “Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs.” One report presents the final phrase with a comma rather than a period.
- Covered depictions
- Scenes involving the 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.
- Age categories
- U/A 7+, U/A 13+ and U/A 16+, advising parental guidance for children below seven, 13 and 16 years, respectively.
- Related platforms
- OTT platforms and private satellite television channels had already received similar anti-drug directions.
- CBFC board
- The reconstituted board has 18 members and a three-year term, or continues until further orders, whichever comes earlier.
