CBFC- assigns various certifications such as Universal, Adults, and Parental Guidance to India’s films
before releasing
The PCI has the power to receive complaints of violation of journalistic ethics or misconduct by an
editor or journalist. The decisions of the PCI are final and cannot be appealed before a court of law
Cinematograph Rules, 1983, govern the public exhibition of movies, and the Programme and
Advertising Code prescribed under the Cable Television Network Rules,1994, regulates the broadcast
of films on television
IT Act- Sections 67A, 67B and 67C of the Act provide for penalty and imprisonment for publishing or
transmitting obscene material, sexually explicit material and also material depicting children in
sexually explicit acts, in electronic form
69A- Central Government is empowered to issue directions to block public access to any information
To monitor the content on the OTT (Over the Top) platforms, the Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting (MIB)- IT Act, 2021 (Rules).
to introduce a code of ethics to set out guidelines for classification of content based on viewer’s age,
themes, content, tone and impact, and target audience; OTT platforms to give due consideration to
sovereignty, security, friendly relations of India, etc. It also requires the setting up of a robust three-
tier grievance redressal mechanism.
CAUSES
Political reasons – Many times governments do not allow the publication of certain kinds of
information on the grounds of being critical of it or some political party in the ruling.
Social reasons – The disclosure of some kinds of information may create social disharmony due to
which they are held back or censored.
Moral reasons – Any content that is considered to be violating the moral code of conduct in society is
censored. This may include pornographic content, content promoting racial and gender inequality or
discrimination and others
Religious reasons – Any type of information that may hurt the religious feelings of some community
in society is often held back. Countries that have particular state religion also tend to restrict such
speech and expression in any form that may be blasphemous.
Security reasons – Information that may harm the security of a state is often held back from
publication. Such disclosure may risk the security of a particular region against foreign invasion and
terrorist threats.
PROS - prevents disharmony in society by prevention of disclosure of objectionable content that can
lead to communal discord, preserves the security of the state, maintains morality in the society,
prohibits the spread of false beliefs or rumours, curbs access to harmful activities by preventing their
public display and others.
CONS - leads to excess restriction on freedom of speech and expression. Most of the time it is used
to silence those who are critical of those who are in power. Thus, it may harm healthy debate and
criticism in society. Gives prominence and authority to a single group of people. It often becomes an
instrument of harassment of those seeking free speech
