Why Centre plans to end fast-track CBFC clearance scheme that allowed queue jump for extra fee - CNBC TV18

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has suggested striking the Priority Scheme under the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. The Union government has suggested discontinuing the priority film certification program, which allowed filmmakers to quickly receive censor certificates by paying an extra fee. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MI&B) has proposed to abolish queue-jumping and bring back a consistent processing method for all films. The Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, established the priority route, which allows producers to receive certification faster by paying up to three times the normal examination charge.

However, officials have begun to reconsider the clause because they fear it has led to procedural distortions and unfairness. The ministry has released a notice on February 16 to the public asking for input from interested parties on the proposed changes. The deadline for comments is March 17, 2026. "The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is proposing to amend the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, and end the current Priority Scheme for film certification ...

The immediate discontinuation of the Priority Scheme is considered a more effective interim measure," the ministry's note read. According to the ministry, the goal of this proposal is to ensure equal access for independent and small filmmakers by restoring 'equity and orderly processing' within the film certification framework. Filmmakers using the regular process now have to wait longer, according to officials, because the fast-track provision, originally intended for extreme urgency, has become increasingly commonplace. The method runs the risk of establishing a 'two-tier certification process' that favours well-funded producers over independent and smaller filmmakers, according to the ministry.

It said that the regular use of priority processing has weakened the fairness principle that underpins a statutory certification scheme and caused systemic delays. It noted that the scheme's deployment had unexpected repercussions that disrupted the certification system's equilibrium and affected the orderly processing of applications. ALSO READ | Subedaar trailer out: Anil Kapoor fights illegal sand mafia in gritty action drama If approved, the rule that allows priority screening upon payment of higher fees and the clause that empowers regional officers to rearrange the sequence of examination based on such requests would be eliminated. The government hopes to level the playing field, increase predictability, and strengthen the integrity of the certification process by eliminating the priority option.