Advocate Pushes for Accessibility in Cinema for the Differently Abled
A Call for Change in Film Accessibility
Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna's upcoming film Pushpa 2: The Rule has sparked a significant conversation regarding the accessibility of movies for individuals with disabilities in India. Advocate Rahul Bajaj, a visually impaired lawyer and disability rights activist, has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court highlighting the absence of necessary accessibility features for the anticipated 2024 release. He expressed his difficulties in enjoying films due to the limited availability of audio descriptions in theaters.
Understanding Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are designed to ensure that individuals with special needs can enjoy films alongside the general audience without sacrificing their experience. In 2024, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting proposed guidelines aimed at establishing Accessibility Standards for Public Film Exhibitions, specifically catering to those with hearing and visual impairments. These guidelines suggest dedicated screening times and services for these audiences, including smart glasses, caption mirrors, sign language interpretation, and wheelchair-accessible seating.
Rahul Bajaj's Petition to the Delhi High Court
In his petition, Bajaj recounted similar challenges he faced while watching films like Vettaiyan and Pani. He urged the court to mandate that Mythri Movie Makers, the production company behind Pushpa 2: The Rule, re-release the film with essential accessibility features for differently-abled viewers in both theaters and on OTT platforms. His appeal included requests for audio descriptions, same-language subtitles, captioning, and provisions for Indian sign language in films.
Enhancing Ticket Booking for the Differently Abled
Bajaj also pointed out that the online ticketing service, Book My Show, lacks user-friendly features for individuals with disabilities. He referenced the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and called for the court to direct platforms to enhance their interfaces with audio descriptions, closed captioning, and sign language options.
Proposed Solutions
Bajaj suggested implementing a system that informs individuals with disabilities about the availability of accessibility features in films prior to viewing. This system should also provide guidance on how to access these features and offer technical support. Additionally, he proposed that the inclusion of accessibility features be a prerequisite for film certification, requiring the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to ensure that all applications include same-language subtitles, audio descriptions, and closed captions. The CBFC should also modify its film search database to reflect the availability of these features alongside certified films.
Delhi High Court's Response
Recently, the Delhi High Court reviewed Bajaj's petition and issued directives aimed at enhancing film accessibility for differently-abled individuals by incorporating same-language subtitles and assistive technologies. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, who presided over the case, instructed the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Ministry of Electronics and Technology, and the CBFC to make it mandatory for films to include accessibility features. The next hearing is scheduled for May 7, and the implementation of these features is still pending.