A petition has been filed before the Delhi High Court calling for the addition of accessibility features to Allu Arjun-starrer film 'Pushpa 2: The Rule', to cater to movie goers with disabilities [Rahul Bajaj vs. Mythri Movie Makers And Ors]..Justice Sanjeev Narula on Thursday sought the response of the movie's production house in the matter before posting the case for further hearing on January 21, 2025..The petition has been filed by disability rights activist and lawyer, Rahul Bajaj who has been visually challenged since birth. In his plea, Bajaj pointed out that he was keen to go for Pushpa 2, but was disappointed to find that audio descriptions for the film were available only in 12 screens in India.He also noted that similar barriers in access to cinema had been noticed in the recent past, including for films such as Vettaiyan and Pani. While he bought a ticket to go for Pushpa 2: The Rule days ahead of its December 5 release, he anticipated that he would face such barriers again..He has now urged the Court to issue directions to Pushpa 2's producers, namely Mythri Movie Makers, to release the film with accessibility features for differently-abled persons in theatres and Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming platforms.In particular, Bajaj has called for the addition of accessibility features such as audio descriptions, same language subtitling, captioning and Indian sign language provisions..Appearing in person before the Court, Bajaj argued today that when it came to Pushpa 2, accessibility features for the movie are only available for three out of six regional languages in which the film has been released.He also submitted that online movie ticket reservation platform, Book My Show does not have enabling features to assist differently abled persons. “Apps need to be accessible and also clearly state if the accessibility features have been provided,” Bajaj added..The petition filed by him also seeks directions to the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) and the Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) to take measures to put in place accessibility features, assistive devices and technologies in theatres. Bajaj has further sought directions to the CBFC to certify whether movies have an accessibility feature. .Bajaj has highlighted that the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 requires the government to ensure that persons with disabilities are able to access electronic media by audio description, close captioning and sign language.Bajaj's plea also pointed out that the failure to release Pushpa 2 with accessibility features violated guidelines issued by the MIB in March this year (Guidelines of Accessibility Standards in the Public Exhibition of Feature Films in Cinema Theatres), which requires all multi-lingual films provide at least one accessibility feature."These guidelines are not merely aspirational; they are legally binding, intended to ensure that persons with disabilities can access and enjoy cinema on an equal footing with others. The respondents' failure to comply with these guidelines for Pushpa 2: The Rule would constitute a clear violation of the (Rights of Persons with Disabilities) Act," the plea said. .Advocate Taha Bin Tasneem appeared alongside Bajaj in the matter today.
