Delhi HC Calls For Broader Solution To Make Films Accessible To Persons With Disabilities

The Delhi High Court has called for a comprehensive solution to ensure films are accessible to persons with disabilities, stressing that the issue goes beyond a single movie like Pushpa 2: The Rule. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, hearing a petition by visually impaired petitioners, ordered all parties involved to convene a meeting within a week to discuss the matter and reach a decision within two weeks.

The court emphasized the broader implications of accessibility for persons with disabilities, urging stakeholders to explore a mutually acceptable solution. Petitioner Rahul Bajaj argued that his visual impairment prevented him from enjoying films on equal footing with others, citing gaps in audio description, closed captions, and sign language interpretation.

He alleged that despite existing regulations, films often lacked accessibility features, available only in select theaters and often requiring inaccessible application processes. Bajaj sought directions for the release of Pushpa 2 with accessibility features across various formats and the implementation of standards set by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, including assistive devices and action against inaccessible digital ticket booking platforms.

The respondents claimed that the issue regarding Pushpa 2 had already been addressed, but the court acknowledged the broader concerns raised by Bajaj and directed stakeholders to deliberate on film accessibility, aiming to find a workable resolution. The matter is scheduled for further deliberation on September 11, with the court's order to be published online immediately.