Accessibility features must be mandated in film screenings for persons with disabilities, ensuring universal access as per relevant legislation.

ORDER

% 19.02.2026

1. The petition is for following reliefs:

“A. Issue a direction to Respondent No. 1 to ensure the release of the movie Pushpa 2: The Rule with accessibility features, specifically audio description (AD) and same-language closed captioning (CC)/Indian Sign Language, across cinema theatres, Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming platforms and all other media formats, in compliance with the Guidelines of Accessibility Standards in the Public Exhibition of Feature Films in Cinema Theatres issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on March 15, 2024;

B. Issue a direction to Respondent Nos. 2 and 3 to effectuate the implementation of said accessibility features, including the installation of appropriate assistive devices and technologies in theatres, to ensure adherence to the guidelines and enable universal access;

C. Impose a fine of INR 1,00,000 on Respondent Nos. 1, 2 and 3 each under section 89 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, for contravening the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016;

D. Award the cost of the present litigation, amounting to INR 50,000 to the Petitioner; and

E. Issue a direction to Respondent No. 3 to periodically publish requisite information that would help in tracking compliance with the Guidelines dated 15.03.2024 and particularly the details as to the films certified with or without accessibility features.

F. Issue a direction to Respondent No. 2 to withhold clearances for digital ticket-booking platforms that are inaccessible and do not exhibit accessibility information and to suitably act against existing platforms that do not comply with such requirements.

G. Grant any other relief(s) that this Hon’ble Court deems just, equitable, and appropriate in the factual matrix and legal framework governing this matter.”

2. Pursuant to the liberty granted by the Court, Mr. Bajaj, petitioner in person has placed on record written submissions dated 21.01.2026. Under the background of the present case the petitioner places the following suggestions for consideration of this Court. Paragraph no. 6.1 to 6.8 of the written submissions is extracted as under:

“6.1. That there exists no independent mechanism for persons with disabilities to know the films which are released in theaters that contain accessibility features viz. audio description, same language captioning and Indian sign language. And that persons with disabilities are left in the lurch in absence of the said information in making an informed choice on whether to book a ticket for the movie or not.

6.2. That consequently, there exists no information on downloading the relevant application and/or using relevant hardware to access accessibility features and using relevant assistive technologies to access any of the accessibility features which are imbedded as part of the digital cinema package i.e. the standard digital format used for delivery of the films to cinemas worldwide.

6.3. That similarly, there exists no details of the relevant service provider who may be reached out in case of any technical support that the persons with disabilities may require in accessing the relevant accessibility features in any of the movies which are released in theaters with accessibility features.

6.4. That under the second Schedule to the Allocation of Business Rules, 1961, at page 180, in clause (B) at Sr. No. 4, the note read with Rule 15(2) of the Rights of Persons With Disabilities Rules, 2017, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is the nodal ministry to ensure compliance with accessibility standards for information and communication technology based applications which are used for (i) bookings of movie tickets; and (i) delivery of accessibility features during screening of the movies in theaters. And that accordingly, the ministry is required to ensure that all such apps comply with accessibility standards which would make the apps themselves accessible for use by persons with disabilities prior to t