19-05-2025
Delhi HC directs Centre to expedite guidelines on accessibility in OTT media
The Delhi High Court on Monday (May 19, 2025) directed the Centre to speed up the process of issuing guidelines for incorporating accessibility features on Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms for persons with disabilities (PwDs).
The court issued the order while hearing a plea that sought the inclusion of accessibility features—such as audio description, same-language captioning, and Indian Sign Language—on OTT platforms for individuals who are visually or hearing impaired.
The court also ordered Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms and film producers to ensure that accessibility features, such as audio description and same-language captioning, are incorporated into a set of specified films released on their platforms. This order would apply to films such as The Buckingham Murders, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Shaitan, and Article 370.
Advocate Rahul Bajaj, appearing for the petitioner Mr. Akshat Baldwa, argued that although some films have now incorporated accessibility features, producers must ensure these features are included at the time of their release.
Mr. Bajaj had earlier argued that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act places an obligation on the government to ensure that all content available in electronic media is in an accessible format.
He said the principle of reasonable accommodation requires that necessary and appropriate modifications are made to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy their rights equally with others.
The court will hear the case again on July 17.
