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Delhi HC Seeks ZEE Response to Digital Accessibility Plea
The has intervened in a significant legal battle regarding the digital inclusion of persons with disabilities. In a recent order, Dr. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued notice to , following a petition filed by disability rights expert and lawyer , which challenges the lack of accessibility features on the ZEE5 platform during its broadcast of the FIFA World Cup.
The Barrier to Access The dispute began when the petitioner, a visually impaired user, subscribed to ZEE5 specifically to watch the FIFA World Cup, only to find the platform functionally inaccessible. According to the petition, the mobile applications and website lack compatibility with essential screen-reader assistive technology, effectively barring blind and low-vision users from enjoying sports content on equal terms with other viewers.
Despite a prior issued by the petitioner—which the broadcaster allegedly failed to acknowledge—the platform reportedly remains unoptimized for users with visual disabilities. Mr. Bajaj’s plea contends that this exclusion violates both his under the and the specific provisions of the .
The Role of Regulatory Standards Central to the court’s intervention is the technical mandate established by the (). The court has explicitly highlighted the necessity for ZEE to align its digital products with the standard, which specifically outlines requirements for digital accessibility in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products.
Key Observations from the Bench In its directive on , the Court expressed the urgent need for structural improvements to the streaming interface:
"The learned counsel for respondent no. 1 is requested to take steps to make the platform of the respondent no. 2 compliant with the relevant guidelines viz. The Standard (Part 1: Requirements and Part 2: Conformance); 'Accessibility for the ICT products and services'."
The Court further underscored the need for immediate action, ordering:
"Let expeditious steps be taken by the respondents to ensure the aforesaid compliance."
Legal Implications and Next Steps The petition seeks a comprehensive overhaul of the platform’s accessibility framework. Among the prayers are demands for a government-empanelled audit, a permanent , and mandatory sensitization training for ZEE's developers, designers, and customer support teams.
While the Respondent (ZEE) was not present during the recent session, the Court has directed that notice be served. The has set the path for compliance, with the next hearing scheduled for . This case marks a critical turning point in the enforcement of digital equality, serving as a reminder that for accessibility apply equally to major streaming platforms in the age of digital broadcasting.
