2 weeks ago
Delhi HC Calls for Broader Solution on Film Accessibility
A visually impaired man named Rahul Bajaj told a big court in Delhi that he cannot enjoy movies in the same way other people do.
He said many films do not have special features that help blind people understand them, like someone describing what is happening, words on the screen, or sign language.
A movie called Pushpa 2: The Rule was the example he used, but he said the problem is much bigger than just one film.
The judge, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, agreed that the issue affects many people.
She asked everyone involved to sit together and talk about the problem within one week.
After that meeting, they have two more weeks to make a good decision.
The judge said movies should be made so that everyone can watch them, not just some people or in some theatres.
The people who make and show movies said they already fixed the problem for Pushpa 2.
The court will meet again on September 11 to see what they decide.
The Delhi High Court called for a broader, workable solution to make films accessible to persons with disabilities, saying the issue cannot be restricted to Pushpa 2: The Rule alone.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma directed all stakeholders to hold a joint meeting within one week and take a positive decision within two weeks after the meeting.
Visually impaired petitioner Rahul Bajaj said persons with disabilities face similar difficulties accessing other films and that accessibility features are often limited to select theatres.
The petition sought accessibility features such as audio description, same-language closed captioning or subtitling, and Indian Sign Language, along with penalties under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Respondents said the grievance concerning Pushpa 2: The Rule was already addressed; the next hearing is scheduled for September 11.
- Who
- Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court, visually impaired petitioner Rahul Bajaj, and other stakeholders including the respondents.
- What
- The court called for a broader solution to make films accessible to persons with disabilities, directing stakeholders to meet and reach a workable resolution beyond Pushpa 2: The Rule.
- Where
- Delhi High Court, India.
- When
- The hearing took place ahead of the next listed hearing on September 11; the exact date is not stated in the article.
- Why
- Persons with disabilities cannot access films on an equal footing when features such as audio description, closed captioning, and Indian Sign Language are unavailable.
Petitioner's Position (Disability Rights Advocates)
Respondents' Position (Film Distributors/Exhibitors)
Scope of Film Accessibility
Petitioner's Position (Disability Rights Advocates)
Accessibility must be universal and should not depend on individual films, theatres, or application processes; the issue needs a broader and amicable resolution.
Respondents' Position (Film Distributors/Exhibitors)
The specific grievance concerning Pushpa 2: The Rule has already been addressed and appropriate measures have been taken.
Key facts
- Court
- Delhi High Court
- Presiding Judge
- Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma
- Petitioner
- Rahul Bajaj (visually impaired)
- Film in Question
- Pushpa 2: The Rule
- Stakeholder Meeting
- Within one week
- Decision Deadline
- Within two weeks after the meeting
- Next Hearing
- September 11
- Accessibility Features Cited
- Audio description, same-language closed captioning/subtitling, Indian Sign Language
Sources
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