The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has proposed to discontinue the Priority Scheme for film certification under the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, in a move aimed at ensuring fairness and orderly processing within the certification framework. The ministry issued the notice on February 16 and has invited public feedback on the proposal till March 17, 2026.

According to the ministry, the proposed amendment seeks to restore equity in the film certification process and ensure fair access for small and independent filmmakers. The move comes amid concerns that the existing priority mechanism, initially designed to handle urgent cases, is increasingly being used in routine situations, thereby diluting its original intent.

The ministry noted that frequent reliance on priority processing has led to systemic delays and undermined the principle of fairness inherent in a statutory certification regime. It observed that the scheme’s implementation has had unintended consequences, affecting the orderly processing of applications and creating imbalances within the certification system.

The notice further highlighted that growing dependence on priority screening risks creating a two-tier structure, where applicants with greater financial resources are able to secure faster clearances by paying higher fees, while others face longer waiting periods. The ministry said discontinuing the scheme would serve as an interim measure to restore predictability and ensure a more balanced certification process.

Under the proposed amendments, Rule 33(2) of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 would be revised to remove the provision allowing applicants to seek priority screening by paying three times the examination fee. In addition, Rule 37(3) would be amended to eliminate the proviso that permits Regional Officers to alter the order of examination based on priority applications.

The ministry has invited stakeholders, including filmmakers, industry representatives and the general public, to submit their comments and suggestions on the proposal by March 17. The feedback will be considered before finalising the amendments to the certification rules.