The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology has issued a series of recommendations to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to strengthen regulations concerning films and audio-visual content that glorify alcohol, drugs, and violence.
In its Demands for Grants 2025-26 report, the committee has expressed concerns about the impact of songs and clips that glorify alcohol, drugs, and violence on vulnerable audiences, particularly children and young adults.
In light of these concerns, the committee has recommended the formulation of a comprehensive policy framework to strengthen existing guidelines and ensure strict compliance with court directives regarding content that promotes harmful substances.
It has suggested the need for a stronger code of ethics to prevent such glorification in media, drawing inspiration from the Punjab and Haryana High Court ruling that banned a song glorifying alcohol, drugs, and violence and directed authorities to take action against the culprits.
The advisory issued by the MIB on November 26, 2024, concerning streaming content on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, should be periodically reviewed and updated to align with evolving content trends, the committee said.
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To ensure effective implementation, the committee has urged coordination with state governments and law enforcement agencies. It has also stressed the importance of public awareness initiatives to educate people about their rights and the mechanisms available for reporting content that violates ethical standards.
Additionally, the committee has called for engagement with stakeholders in the music, film, and entertainment industries to promote responsible content creation and discourage the glorification of alcohol, drugs, and violence.
The ministry has assured compliance with the court’s directives and has stated that the Central Board of Film Certification ensures such songs and content are not approved for public exhibition.
However, the committee said it is concerned that promotional clips of films and songs still reach audiences through live performances and digital platforms.
The committee also highlighted existing guidelines, which include the IT Rules, 2021, under which films or serials portraying the misuse of psychotropic substances, liquor, smoking, and tobacco are classified under a higher category.
The Cinematograph Act, 1952, prohibits the justification or glorification of alcohol and drug use in films, while the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994, prohibit the broadcast of films, songs, trailers, and music videos unless certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) as suitable for unrestricted public exhibition.
In its Demands for Grants 2025-26 report, the committee has expressed concerns about the impact of songs and clips that glorify alcohol, drugs, and violence on vulnerable audiences, particularly children and young adults.
In light of these concerns, the committee has recommended the formulation of a comprehensive policy framework to strengthen existing guidelines and ensure strict compliance with court directives regarding content that promotes harmful substances.
It has suggested the need for a stronger code of ethics to prevent such glorification in media, drawing inspiration from the Punjab and Haryana High Court ruling that banned a song glorifying alcohol, drugs, and violence and directed authorities to take action against the culprits.
The advisory issued by the MIB on November 26, 2024, concerning streaming content on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, should be periodically reviewed and updated to align with evolving content trends, the committee said.
s
To ensure effective implementation, the committee has urged coordination with state governments and law enforcement agencies. It has also stressed the importance of public awareness initiatives to educate people about their rights and the mechanisms available for reporting content that violates ethical standards.
Additionally, the committee has called for engagement with stakeholders in the music, film, and entertainment industries to promote responsible content creation and discourage the glorification of alcohol, drugs, and violence.
The ministry has assured compliance with the court’s directives and has stated that the Central Board of Film Certification ensures such songs and content are not approved for public exhibition.
However, the committee said it is concerned that promotional clips of films and songs still reach audiences through live performances and digital platforms.
The committee also highlighted existing guidelines, which include the IT Rules, 2021, under which films or serials portraying the misuse of psychotropic substances, liquor, smoking, and tobacco are classified under a higher category.
The Cinematograph Act, 1952, prohibits the justification or glorification of alcohol and drug use in films, while the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994, prohibit the broadcast of films, songs, trailers, and music videos unless certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) as suitable for unrestricted public exhibition.
