SC Issues Guidelines on Portrayal of Persons with Disabilities in Visual Media

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.

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