All films meant for public exhibition, irrespective of their length, whether in cinema halls or video or CD or DVD version are subjected to censorship. Film censorship becomes necessary because a film motivates thought and action and assures a high degree of attention and retention as compared to the printed word. A film depicts various ideas and the same has a strong impact on the minds of the viewers and can affect emotions. Therefore, it has as much potential for evil as it has for good and has an equal potential to instill or cultivate violent or good behaviour. Thus, censorship is not only desirable but also necessary.

The CBFC certifies all films publically exhibited in India. Having its Headquarters at Mumbai, it has nine regional centers at Bangalore, Chennai, Cuttack, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Thiruvananathapuram. A Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) has also been constituted under section 5D of the 1952 Act for hearing appeals against any order of the CBFC. While the work of certification of films is a central subject, the states have to enforce these censorship provisions and bring any violations to the notice of the CBFC. The organizational structure of the CBFC is based on the provisions of the 1952 Act and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules 1983.

The Chairman and members are appointed for a term of three years or till such time as the Government may direct.The Central Board consists of a Chairperson and about 25 members appointed by the Central Government of India. They are eminent persons from different walks of life such as social sciences, law, education, art, film, and so on, thus representing a cross section of society. They are appointed normally for a period of three years. The CBFC is assisted by the Advisory Panel in various regional offices which are headed by Regional Officers. The members of these panels are also representative of cross-section of society and interests. These members hold office till such time as the Government may direct but not exceeding two years.

However, the members can be re-appointed. The CBFC has divided itself into Examining and Revising Committees to provide a two-tier system for certification of films in the event of the applicant or the Chairman himself not being satisfied with the decision of the Examining Committee. The certification rules also apply to foreign films imported into India, dubbed films, and video films. In the case of dubbed films, the Board does not have any fresh censorship for the visuals in general cases. The Certification does not apply to films made specifically for Doordarshan, since Doordarshan has its own system of examining such films.

The Cinematograph Act, 1952, governs the censorship of films. The Cinematograph (Certification) Rules promulgated in 1983 and the guidelines issued on December 6, 1991. The guidelines are issued under Section 5B of the Act. According to this section, "a film shall not be certified for public exhibition, if, in the opinion of the authority competent to grant the certificate, the film or any part of it is against the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the States, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality or involves defamation or contempt of court or is likely to incite the commission of any offence".

Detailed Guidelines for Certification:

anti social activities such as violence are not glorified or justified;

the modus operandi of criminals, other visuals or words likely to incite the commission of any offence are not depicted;

scenes:showing involvement of children in violence as victims or perpetrators or as forced witnesses to violence, or showing children as being subjected to any form of child abuse;

showing abuse or ridicule of physically and mentally handicapped persons; and

showing cruelty to, or abuse of animals, are not presented needlessly.

pointless or avoidable scenes of violence, cruelty and horror, scenes of violence primarily intended to provide entertainment and such scenes as may have the effect of de-sensitising or de-humanising people are not shown;

scenes which have the effect of justifying or glorifying drinking are not shown;

scenes tending to encourage, justify or glamorise drug addiction are not shown;

scenes tending to encourage, justify or glamorise consumption of tobacco or smoking are not shown;

human sensibilities are not offended by vulgarity, obscenity or depravity;

such dual meaning words as obviously cater to baser instincts are not allowed;

scenes degrading or denigrating women in any manner are not presented;

scenes involving sexual violence against women like attempt to rape, rape or any form of molestation or scenes of a similar nature are avoided, and if any such incidence is germane to the theme, they shall be reduced to the minimum and no details are shown;

scenes showing sexual perversions shall be avoided and if such matters are germane to the theme they shall be reduced to the minimum and no details are shown;

visuals or words contemptuous of racial, religious or other groups are not presented;

visuals or words which promote communal, obscurantist, anti-scientific and anti-national attitude are not presented;

the sovereignty and integrity of India is not called in question;

the security of the State is not jeopardized or endangered;

friendly relations with foreign States are not strained;

public order is not endangered and;

visuals or words involving defamation of an individual or a body of individuals, or contempt of court are not presented.