Film Certificate Appellate Tribunal (FCAT)

Why in news?

• The government by an ordinance abolished the Film Certificate Appellate Tribunal (FCAT).

About FCAT:

• FCAT was a statutory body constituted set up by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in 1983, under Section 5D of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
• Its main job was to hear appeals filed by applicants for certification aggrieved by the decision of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
• In effect, filmmakers will now have to approach the High Court with appeals they would have earlier filed with the NCAT.
• The tribunal was headed by a chairperson and had four other members, including a Secretary appointed by the Government of India.
• It was headquartered in New Delhi.

About CBFC:

• The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is a statutory film-certification body in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Government of India.
• It is tasked with "regulating the public exhibition of films under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act 1952.
• In India, all films must have a CBFC certificate if they are to be released theatrically, telecast on television, or displayed publicly in any way.
• The CBFC — which consists of a Chairperson and 23 members, all appointed by the Government of India — certifies films under four categories:
  • U: Unrestricted public exhibition (Suitable for all age groups)
  • U/A: Parental guidance for children under age 12
  • A: Restricted to adults(Suitable for 18 years and above
  • S: Restricted to a specialised group of people, such as engineers, doctors or scientists.
• The CBFC can also deny certification a film. On several occasions when a filmmaker or producer has not been satisfied with the CBFC’s certification, or with a denial, they have appealed to the FCAT.
• And in many cases, the FCAT has overturned the CBFC decision.

Prelims Question

Consider the following regarding Central board of Film Certification (CBFC):
1.It is a statutory body created by central government.
2.All films released for public viewing in India must carry CBFC certification.
Choose the correct statements from the codes given below:
(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to the Prelims Question