u A statutory body under the Union ministry of information and broadcasting.
u Came into being with the implementation of The Cinematograph Act of 1952. The rules were revised in 1983.
u Consists of a chairperson, a chief executive officer, regional officers and board members, all appointed by the government.
u Certifies films as “U” (unrestricted public exhibition); “A” (restricted to adult audiences); “UA” (parental guidance for children below 12) and “S” (restricted to specialized audiences such as doctors or scientists).
u Has a two-tier jury system for certifying films.
u Films are viewed by an examining committee (EC), which consists of one regional officer and members of the advisory panel (individuals drawn from different walks of life).
u In case the EC cannot reach a decision or the applicant is not satisfied with its verdict, the film can then be shown to a revising committee (RC), which consists of at least one board member (or the chairperson) and members of the advisory panel who weren’t part of the EC that viewed the film earlier.
u If the applicant is still dissatisfied, s/he can approach the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT), a statutory body under the Union ministry of information and broadcasting that is headed by a retired judge.
