Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT)

1. Who can prefer an Appeal before the Tribunal?

A Producer/Director/Right-holder aggrieved by an order of the Central Board of Film Certification can file an appeal online with the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal for redress fo his/her grievance.

2. What are the categories of orders which can be appealed against?

The following orders of CBFC can be challenged in the Tribunal:

Refusal to grant a Certificate
Granting 'A' Certificate only
Granting 'S' Certificate only
Granting 'UA' Certificate only
Directing the applicant to carry out any excisions or modifications.

3. Is there a standard form for Appeal?

Yes, there is a standard form for filling Appeal online.

4. What are the other documents required for Submission of Appeal Form?

The Appellant is required to submit film synopsis, script of the film in the original language and its English translation, English translation of the songs (if any), CBFC's order against which appeal filed, Affidavit, Demand draft. There is a checklist with the Appeal Form.

5. Is there time bar for an Appeal?

Yes, an applicant has to file an Appeal within 30 days from the date of the order of CBFC, appealed against.

6. Will my application be entertained after 30 days?

Yes, As per Section 5(C) of Cinematograph Act 1952, the Appellant is required to prefer an appeal within 30 days from the date of the impugned order. Further under the Proviso to Section 5C, the Tribunal is empowered to condone a further period of 30 days if is satisfied that the Appellant was prevented by sufficient cause from filling the appeal within 30 days.

7. Will the period of 30 + 30 days be condoned if the Appellant is prevented from filling appeal due to sufficient cause?

It is beyond that statutory powers of the Tribunal to condone the delay. The discretion to condone the delay beyond 60 days can be execised by a Writ Court.

8. Within how many days after filing, the appeal will be taken up for hearing?

The appeal, once filed will be scrutinized be the Tribunal and the Appellant will be intimated about shortcomings, if any. Such an appeal, in its final form, will be taken up for hearing according to its priority by turn, at the earliest date convenient for the Chairperson and the Members, so that the Appellant is not made to lose on account of the investment in the film in question. However, in any case a notice of 15 day's is given to both the Applicant(s) and to the Respondent(s) make necessary arrangments for screening the film before the Tribunal.

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