Delhi HC Directs Centre, CBFC, Film Producers on Cinema OTT Accessibility

• The Delhi High Court has directed key stakeholders to deliberate on adding accessibility features to films released in cinemas and OTT platforms.
• The court set a two-week deadline from August 10, 2026, for stakeholders to reach a workable resolution on accessibility concerns raised by disability rights activist Rahul Bajaj, with the next hearing scheduled for September 11, 2026.
• The development may impact compliance with disability rights laws and regulations, highlighting the importance of considering accessibility features when releasing films in India.

This Court considers it appropriate to afford an opportunity to all concerned stakeholders to deliberate upon the issue and explore a mutually acceptable resolution.

The Delhi High Court has intervened in a long-standing issue affecting disabled audiences, directing key stakeholders to deliberate on adding accessibility features to films released in cinemas and over-the-top (OTT) platforms. The court's order was passed by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma on August 10, 2026, while hearing a petition filed by disability rights activist Rahul Bajaj. Bajaj had sought the addition of features such as audio descriptions, same language subtitling, captioning, and Indian sign language provisions for differently-abled viewers.

The court's direction comes in response to Bajaj's petition, which was filed in 2024 around the release of Pushpa 2. The petitioner had argued that accessibility features are essential for ensuring equal access to entertainment for people with disabilities.

The court's order highlights the importance of considering disability rights laws and regulations when releasing films in India. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) are now tasked with exploring a mutually acceptable resolution to address the accessibility concerns raised by Bajaj. This development may have significant implications for film producers, who must ensure compliance with disability rights laws.

The court's direction also underscores the need for stakeholders to work together to find solutions that balance competing interests. The joint meeting of stakeholders, including the petitioner and respondents, was directed to be convened within a week from August 10, 2026.

The Delhi High Court's direction has significant implications for the film industry in India. With the court setting a two-week deadline from August 10, 2026, for stakeholders to reach a workable resolution, film producers must now consider the accessibility features that will be included in their releases. This development may also impact compliance with disability rights laws and regulations. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on September 11, 2026.

Lawyers advising clients on film releases should note this development, as it highlights the importance of considering accessibility features when releasing films in India. The court's order demonstrates a commitment to ensuring equal access to entertainment for people with disabilities.

Lawyers advising clients on film releases should note the Delhi High Court's direction to stakeholders to add accessibility features within two weeks, which may impact compliance with disability rights laws and regulations.

Source: Original reporting via The Hindu