Now, Films Must Carry Anti-Drug Warnings
The government has tightened India’s film-certification rules, requiring movies that depict drug use, consumption or trafficking to carry a prominent warning on screen
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has updated the country’s film-certification framework, replacing the 1991 guidelines under the Cinematograph Act.
Under the new rules, films depicting narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances must display the prescribed warning: “Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs.”
Earlier, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) was required to ensure that depictions of drug use did not “encourage, justify, or glamorise” addiction. The revised framework goes further, making the warning itself mandatory — much like the existing disclaimers for tobacco and alcohol.
The move extends similar regulations already applicable to OTT platforms and private satellite television channels. The revised guidelines also introduce tighter provisions governing violence, anti-national attitudes, obscenity and the depiction of criminal methods.
Highlight: Under the new rules, films depicting narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances must display the prescribed warning: “Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs.”