Censor Board flouted norms, reveals RTI query to CAG

Mumbai, July 7

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India has criticised the Censor Board Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for irregularities in certifying films for viewing in India.

In a 70-page reply to an RTI query on CBFC’s functioning, the auditor claims that the board has converted 172 'A' or Adult category certified films into 'UA' films and 166 films of 'UA' category into 'U' films from 2012–15, in what it calls blatant flouting of rules. The board has also been accused of forging documents and being biased while clearing films.

RTI activist Vihar Durve filed the query.

Films with a 'U' certificate are considered suitable for unrestricted public exhibition while those with 'UA' certificate contain portions considered unsuitable for children below the age of twelve and need supervision for viewing, but can be exhibited without restrictions.

'A' category films are considered suitable for exhibition to adults only.

This is significant as it comes less than a year after former Censor Board CEO Rakesh Kumar was arrested for allegedly demanding Rs 70,000 in August 2014.  His predecessor, Pankaja Thakur, had also courted several controversies for clearing movies, including being accused of clearing a movie directed by her close relative although there was a "conflict of interest".

The CAG has also accused the board for poor record keeping, especially since 4.10 lakh entries for censor certificates and 60 lakh pages of feature film files have yet to be digitised despite the huge expenses the board incurred for making its records digital.

"There has been no revision of certification fees and cess even after six and 12 years, respectively. The CBFC has received some Rs 14 crore as certification fees and Rs 5.5 crore as cess between 2011 and 2013,” says the report.

The reply mentions two films in particular —‘Gabriel’ (2007) and ‘Three Can Play That Game’ (2007) — whose incongruous records raise suspicions. Records show that a JS Mahamuni had reviewed the first movie and SG Mane had viewed the second for certification, both in February 2009 certificates issued y the board claim VK Chawak, Secretary to the Chairperson, reviewed the movie on March 30, 2009. It also adds that filmmakers did not apply for reviewing the decision

Durve has criticised the board for what he calls Censor Gate.

Censor Board CEO Shravan Kumar could not be contacted.