The Supreme Court established new guidelines on Monday regarding the portrayal of persons with disabilities in visual media and films, condemning the use of terms such as “cripple” and “spastic,” which have acquired “devalued meanings” in societal perceptions.
This verdict follows a plea filed by Nipun Malhotra, who argued that the Hindi film Aankh Micholi included disparaging references to differently-abled individuals.
Delivering the verdict, a bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud stated, “Words cultivate institutional discrimination, and terms such as ‘cripple’ and ‘spastic’ have come to acquire devalued meanings in societal perceptions about persons with disabilities.”
The bench outlined several guidelines, including that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) must seek the opinion of experts before approving a film for screening.
“Visual media should strive to depict the diverse realities of persons with disabilities, showcasing not only their challenges but also their successes, talents, and contributions to society. They should neither be lampooned based on myths nor presented as ‘super cripples,'” it added.
The Supreme Court has upheld a decision by the Madras High Court granting a divorce…
The Delhi High Court has granted transit anticipatory bail to a lawyer whose brother is…
Former Supreme Court Justice Madan B Lokur has been recently named the chairperson of the…
The Karnataka High Court has recently directed the National Law School of India University (NLSIU)…
The Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh Vigilance Department to investigate the Himalayan…
The Allahabad High Court on Friday issued an order staying the arrest of Mohammed Zubair,…