Centre makes anti-drug warnings mandatory for films

New Delhi: The Centre has made it mandatory for films to carry on-screen warnings against drug use, similar to the existing warnings for tobacco and alcohol consumption. The new requirement applies to scenes depicting drug use or trafficking, with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry amending the film certification rules.

Films depicting the use or trafficking of narcotic substances must display the warning: “Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs.” The amendment under the Cinematograph Act has already been officially notified.

Earlier, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) was mainly asked to ensure that scenes glorifying or promoting drug use were avoided. The government has now introduced a mandatory warning similar to those for tobacco and alcohol, citing the increasing depiction of drug use in films and its potential adverse impact on society.

In recent months, the ministry had issued similar directions to over-the-top (OTT) platforms and private satellite television channels. The latest move extends the requirement to films released in theatres, making it part of the guidelines the CBFC must follow before granting certification for public exhibition.

Meanwhile, the Centre has reconstituted the CBFC board. The new 18-member board includes actors Pankaj Tripathi, Preity Zinta, Suniel Shetty and Pallavi Joshi, filmmaker Priyadarshan and musician Ricky Kej, among others.

Shashi Shekhar Vempati has been appointed chairman of the new board.