Centre Reconstitutes Central Board of Film Certification with 18 members

The Central Government reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with 18 members on 16 September 2026. The reconstitution was made under Section 3(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and Rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. The new board took effect immediately and will function for three years or until further orders.

Central Board of Film Certification

The CBFC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It certifies films for public exhibition in India under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. The board examines films and issues certification categories for theatrical and other public screening purposes.

Legal Basis and Tenure

Section 3(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, provides for the constitution of the CBFC. Rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, governs the certification framework for films in India. The present board has a tenure of three years, which is the standard term mentioned in the reconstitution order.

Composition of the New Board

The 18-member panel includes actors Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi, Suniel Shetty, Manoj Joshi, Roopali Ganguly, and Prosenjit Chatterjee. It also includes filmmaker Priyadarshan and musician Ricky Kej. Waman Kendre and Ramesh Patange have been retained from the previous board.

Important Facts for Exams

• The CBFC is commonly known as the film certification board in India.
• The Cinematograph Act, 1952, is the principal law for film certification in India.
• The CBFC was last formally reconstituted in August 2017 for a three-year term.
• Shashi Shekhar Vempati was appointed CBFC chairperson in May 2026 for a three-year term.

Previous Reconstitution

The previous CBFC board was formally reconstituted in August 2017. Its members continued beyond the original tenure until new successors were appointed. The latest reconstitution replaced the earlier arrangement with an 18-member panel.