Govt orders censors to put hot videos in the cold

Music videos and film promos must have ‘U’ certificate.

NEW DELHI: Implementation of the draconian Broadcast Bill may not be imminent, but the government is turning its censorious gaze elsewhere. Through a notification issued by the information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry on Thursday, it has decreed that music videos, film promos, and trailers must be approved by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) before they are aired on Indian TV channels. The rule will apply even if the material is produced outside India.

So far, the CBFC scrutinised only films and awarded them U, U/A, or A certification. Now, material such as music videos and film promos must secure a CBFC clearance for ‘unrestricted public exhibition’, or the U label.

Curbs have been imposed on advertising as well. No advertisement that violates the code for self-regulation adopted by the Advertising Standards Council of India can be telecast. The new clauses have been inserted in the Cable TV Rules.

Music videos such as Kaanta Laga and, more recently, Rakhi Sawant’s clips, had caused concern among the authorities. The ministry issued several show-cause notices to TV channels, including those beaming music videos deemed obscene.

According to an I&B official, there have been several complaints from viewers about such programmes. The Bombay high court had also ordered cable operators not to air programmes that might be unsuitable for unrestricted public exhibition.