Delhi HC Directs CBFC To Respond To Plea For Accessibility In Films

AAP MLA Dinesh Mohaniya

The Delhi High Court has recently requested the Central Board of Film Certification to respond to a petition aimed at ensuring that movies released after September 14 comply with accessibility guidelines for individuals with hearing and visual disabilities.

Justice Sanjeev Narula issued a notice on the plea filed by Suman Bhokray, who has a visual disability and has asked the authorities to submit their response within four weeks.

Bhokray’s petition cites the “Guidelines for Accessibility Standards in the Public Exhibition of Feature Films in Cinema Theatres for Persons with Hearing and Visual Impairment,” issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on March 15.

According to these guidelines, feature films certified in more than one language must include at least one accessibility feature for individuals with hearing and visual disabilities—such as closed captions and audio descriptions—beginning September 14.

During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel argued that there had been non-compliance with a prior high court order mandating the inclusion of these essential accessibility features in film exhibitions. It was pointed out that two films released after September 14, namely “Vettaiyan” and “Martin,” failed to incorporate the required accessibility features fully.

The petition asserts that films should be screened using an “accessibility application” that is universally accepted and ensures the mandatory features are available in the films certified by the CBFC. In response, the CBFC’s lawyer stated that the guidelines allow cinema theatres a period of 2 years to implement accessible features.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 21, where it will further assess the progress and compliance with the accessibility guidelines in the film industry. This case highlights the ongoing efforts to improve accessibility in cinema for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy films without barriers.