Delhi High Court directs stakeholders to address film accessibility for disabled
The Delhi High Court has ordered the central government, film certification board, and industry stakeholders to deliberate on making films and streaming content accessible to persons with disabilities.
The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), filmmakers, and other stakeholders to convene and discuss measures for enhancing the accessibility of films and streaming content for individuals with disabilities.
Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma mandated that all parties, including petitioner Rahul Bajaj and the respondents, hold a joint meeting within one week. The objective is to develop an "appropriate and workable resolution," with a decision expected within two weeks.
Bajaj, a disability rights activist and lawyer, initially filed a petition in 2024 concerning the release of the film "Pushpa 2: The Rule." However, he informed the court that his concerns extend to the general accessibility of films, not just a single release.
His demands include accessibility features such as audio description, same-language closed captioning, and Indian Sign Language interpretation, along with assistive technologies in theatres. The petition also seeks broader adherence to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's accessibility guidelines issued in March 2024. The court is scheduled to review the outcomes of these deliberations on September 11.