Lately, many film fans have begun questioning the decisions of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). From cutting the kissing scene in Superman to deleting caste references in Dhadak 2 and Phule, the board’s edits have sparked debate.
But here’s the bigger question is the CBFC even legal anymore?
An investigation by The Indian Express revealed that the board no longer functions as a “board” at all. It reportedly operates under a one-man control led by Prasoon Joshi, who has been the chairperson since 2017.
As per official rules, the CBFC must hold meetings every quarter. Yet, the 12-member board hasn’t met in six years. It must also submit annual reports to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, but the last available report on its website dates back to 2017.
The Ministry says it receives yearly reports, but none are public. Adding to the confusion, Prasoon Joshi and his team were appointed for a three-year term that ended in 2020. There has been no official renewal since.
This means the CBFC has been functioning without a legally reconstituted board for five years effectively under one person’s control.
Naturally, this raises serious concerns about legality and transparency. Many in the industry now wonder if political influence is shaping the board’s actions.
While the CBFC allows films with heavy violence and sexual content to pass, it continues to trim scenes carrying political or social messages.
A body meant to protect creative freedom now appears compromised. Viewers are left asking whether cinema is still a space for free expression or a tool for controlled narratives.
