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Current Affairs

Shashi Shekhar Vempati Appointed Chairman of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)

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Shashi Shekhar Vempati, former CEO of Prasar Bharati, was appointed as the Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in May 2026, succeeding Prasoon Joshi. The CBFC is the statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting responsible for regulating the public exhibition of films in India under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. Vempati's appointment reflects a continuation of leadership focused on integrating technology with cultural governance.

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Key Facts

  • Appointment: Shashi Shekhar Vempati appointed Chairman of CBFC on May 6, 2026.
  • Predecessor: Prasoon Joshi, who was appointed Chairman of Prasar Bharati.
  • Previous Role: Vempati served as CEO of Prasar Bharati from 2017 to 2022, and held positions at UGC, BARC, and Department of Science and Technology.
  • CBFC's Jurisdiction: Functions under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
  • Legal Framework: Operates under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
  • Headquarters: Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
  • Certification Categories: U (Universal), U/A (Parental Guidance for children below 12), A (Adults only), and S (Specialized audiences).

Background & Context

The Central Board of Film Certification is a statutory film-certification body tasked with regulating public exhibition of films in India under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952. It examines and certifies films, trailers, and other audiovisual content before public screening. The CBFC issues certificates, which include U (unrestricted public exhibition), U/A (parental guidance for children under 12), A (restricted to adults), and S (restricted to specialized audiences such as professionals).

Shashi Shekhar Vempati, an alumnus of IIT Bombay, has a versatile background, having led Prasar Bharati and worked with various government departments. His appointment as CBFC Chairman succeeds Prasoon Joshi, whose tenure included digitisation of certification processes through the e-Cinepramaan system and expanded scrutiny over content involving political figures and religious themes.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This appointment is significant for understanding governance and administration of cultural institutions in India, particularly in the media and film sector. The CBFC's role in regulating film content under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, makes its leadership important in studies related to Indian polity, media laws, cultural policy, and information dissemination frameworks. Knowledge of film certification categories and regulatory mechanism is commonly tested in examinations focusing on current affairs, governance, and Indian legal frameworks.

Points to Remember

  • Shashi Shekhar Vempati was appointed Chairman of CBFC on May 6, 2026.
  • Vempati succeeded Prasoon Joshi who was appointed Chairman of Prasar Bharati.
  • He served as CEO of Prasar Bharati from 2017 to 2022 and also worked with UGC, BARC, and other departments.
  • The CBFC functions under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
  • Certification categories under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, include U, U/A, A, and S.
  • The CBFC headquarters is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
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