Film censorship in India is governed by the Cinematograph Act of 1952 which allows the government to suppress films that are against national interests or involve defamation, obscenity, or contempt of court. The Central Board of Film Certification previews films and decides whether they can be publicly exhibited, sometimes requiring cuts. While the Supreme Court has upheld film censorship, there is a lack of transparency in the process and censorship is sometimes used to prohibit films that portray controversial societal issues or criticize those in power.