FilmCertification – Government Plans to End Priority Clearance System
FilmCertification – The Union government has moved to withdraw the fast-track provision introduced last year under the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, which allowed filmmakers to secure quicker certification by paying an additional fee. Officials say the proposed rollback is intended to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all applicants seeking approval for film releases.
Ministry Seeks Public Feedback on Proposed Change
Before finalising the decision, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has invited comments from stakeholders across the film industry. According to an official notice, responses must be submitted by March 17.
The proposal includes two key changes. First, it seeks to discontinue the existing priority screening facility that permitted applicants to pay three times the standard examination fee to accelerate the certification process. Second, it recommends removing the provision that allowed a Regional Officer to rearrange the order of film examinations based on priority applications.
The ministry has indicated that the current review aims to align the certification process more closely with the principles of transparency and systematic processing.
Background of the Priority Scheme
The priority system was introduced in 2024 as part of revised rules governing film certification. Under the arrangement, producers who opted for the fast-track route could have their films scheduled for examination within five days, subject to slot availability, by paying triple the regular fee.
At the time, the measure was described as a practical solution for filmmakers facing urgent release timelines, particularly in cases involving festival screenings, contractual obligations, or coordinated promotional campaigns.
However, officials now say that what was meant to serve exceptional circumstances gradually became a routine choice for many applicants.
Concerns Over Fairness and Equal Access
In its explanatory note, the ministry stated that widespread use of the priority option risked undermining the core objective of an orderly statutory certification framework. While the facility was introduced to address urgent needs, its growing adoption raised concerns about fairness.
Authorities observed that allowing expedited clearances based on higher payments could unintentionally create disparities among filmmakers. Those with greater financial resources were more likely to benefit from faster scheduling, potentially leaving smaller or independent producers waiting longer in the regular queue.
The ministry said this trend could result in what it described as a “two-tier system,” where financial capacity influences the speed of regulatory approval. Officials emphasised that such an outcome runs counter to the principle of equitable treatment embedded in certification rules.
Restoring Orderly Processing
The proposed amendment to the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 is aimed at restoring uniformity in how films are examined. By eliminating the fast-track option, the government intends to ensure that applications are processed strictly in chronological order, without financial considerations affecting scheduling.
According to the ministry’s note, discontinuing the priority scheme is viewed as an effective interim measure to reinforce consistency and fairness in the certification framework. It added that the change would particularly benefit small and independent filmmakers who may not have the resources to opt for premium processing.
Industry stakeholders are now expected to provide feedback on the proposal. Their responses could influence the final decision on whether the fast-track system will be permanently removed.
If implemented, the move would mark a significant shift in how film certification applications are handled in India, potentially reshaping timelines for film releases and promotional strategies.