Barely two years after the Central Bureau of Film Certification (CBFC) introduced its Tatkaal certification facility to fast-track film clearances, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has abolished the mechanism. Now, several producers’ bodies are seeking its return in a restricted form, arguing that an emergency certification route remains essential for films facing unforeseen delays.

According to CBFC insiders, discussions are underway among guilds, producers’ associations, and trade stakeholders to persuade the ministry to retain the provision for exceptional circumstances rather than scrap it entirely.

“The consensus is that the scheme was being misused, but that doesn’t mean it should disappear completely. There are genuine situations where a producer has no control over delays and needs an expedited certification route,” a CBFC insider told mid-day.

Stakeholders insist they are not seeking a return to the earlier system, under which Tatkaal applications became increasingly common. Instead, they want a limited provision that can be invoked in cases involving court litigation, delayed post-production work, certification disputes, and other last-minute contingencies.

Industry insiders point to recent examples. Earlier this year, Parasakthi received its censor certificate just a day before release after scrutiny by a Revising Committee. Jana Nayagan also became the subject of legal proceedings over alleged certification delays before the Madras High Court directed the issuance of a certificate. While neither case involved the Tatkaal mechanism directly, certification issues can escalate dangerously close to release.

“Nobody plans to submit a film late,” said a producer associated with a leading industry body. “But visual effects get delayed, revising committees ask for modifications. In such situations, an emergency certification window becomes a necessity.” With the Tatkaal facility gone, certification would take around 22 to 48 days.

The Tatkaal scheme allowed producers to fast-track certification by paying three times the standard examination fee. The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) opposed the additional cost, with president Abhay Sinha arguing that smaller and regional producers were being pushed into an expensive process to secure timely certification. IMPPA instead proposed a capped emergency quota system requiring documented proof and approval from senior CBFC officials.