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New Drug Warning for Films Mandated by Government
17 Sep
Summary
- Films depicting drug use must now display an anti-drug warning.
- The warning states: 'Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs.'
- This requirement is now part of the official film certification guidelines.
Films that depict drug consumption, use, or trafficking will now be required to display an anti-drug warning. The Central Government has incorporated this mandate into the guidelines for certifying films for public exhibition.
The updated directive, notified on September 16, mandates that scenes involving narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances must feature the warning: "Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs."
This is a significant shift from previous guidelines, which focused on preventing the glorification of drug addiction rather than prescribing a specific on-screen warning. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had previously issued similar advisories to OTT platforms and private satellite television channels last month.
These film certification guidelines, last amended in May 2025, also incorporate age-based parental guidance categories. The guidelines direct the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to ensure that anti-social activities, including violence and drug addiction, are not glorified.
Recently, the CBFC's 18-member board was reconstituted, including notable figures from the entertainment industry. The board, headed by Shashi Shekhar Vempati, has a three-year term.
