Dissolve the CBFC India
Dissolve the CBFC India
The Issue
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in India is intended to function as a certification body that classifies films based on their suitability for audiences of different ages. However, it has increasingly become a de facto censoring body, limiting what grown adults are allowed to watch. This role conflicts with the fundamental principles of freedom of expression and artistic creativity that are vital for a vibrant democracy.
For many years, filmmakers and audiences alike have criticized the CBFC for its strict and arbitrary cuts, refusals to certify, and demands for modifications to films that otherwise have significant artistic value. These interventions not only undermine filmmakers' creativity but also patronize grown adults by limiting their access to diverse narratives and viewpoints.
India, being the world’s largest democracy, needs a body that respects the intellect and maturity of its adult population, by allowing them more freedom in the movies they choose to view. The current role of the CBFC as a censoring body impedes the cultural and artistic development accommodated by free expression and reduced censorship.
Moreover, many international filmmakers are reluctant to bring their projects to India, fearing extensive alterations demanded by the CBFC, which can lead to a loss of cultural engagement and economic investment in India's film industry.
To restore trust in India's film industry and promote creative freedom, we call for the dissolution of the CBFC in its current form. Instead, an independent certification body should be established, which truly serves its purpose: to classify films sensibly while respecting filmmakers’ innovation and audiences’ choice to engage with various content.
Join us in advocating for a more open, culturally rich environment by signing this petition to dissolve the CBFC and support the establishment of a more progressive film certification process in India. Your support helps uphold the principles of democracy, freedom of speech, and artistic integrity.

15
The Issue
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in India is intended to function as a certification body that classifies films based on their suitability for audiences of different ages. However, it has increasingly become a de facto censoring body, limiting what grown adults are allowed to watch. This role conflicts with the fundamental principles of freedom of expression and artistic creativity that are vital for a vibrant democracy.
For many years, filmmakers and audiences alike have criticized the CBFC for its strict and arbitrary cuts, refusals to certify, and demands for modifications to films that otherwise have significant artistic value. These interventions not only undermine filmmakers' creativity but also patronize grown adults by limiting their access to diverse narratives and viewpoints.
India, being the world’s largest democracy, needs a body that respects the intellect and maturity of its adult population, by allowing them more freedom in the movies they choose to view. The current role of the CBFC as a censoring body impedes the cultural and artistic development accommodated by free expression and reduced censorship.
Moreover, many international filmmakers are reluctant to bring their projects to India, fearing extensive alterations demanded by the CBFC, which can lead to a loss of cultural engagement and economic investment in India's film industry.
To restore trust in India's film industry and promote creative freedom, we call for the dissolution of the CBFC in its current form. Instead, an independent certification body should be established, which truly serves its purpose: to classify films sensibly while respecting filmmakers’ innovation and audiences’ choice to engage with various content.
Join us in advocating for a more open, culturally rich environment by signing this petition to dissolve the CBFC and support the establishment of a more progressive film certification process in India. Your support helps uphold the principles of democracy, freedom of speech, and artistic integrity.

Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 23 June 2026