Nation

SC sets guidelines on portrayal of disabled persons in visual media, films

Supreme Court emphasised that terms like "cripple" and "spastic" perpetuate discrimination and should be avoided

SC urged media to depict diverse aspects of disability (photo: PTI)
SC urged media to depict diverse aspects of disability (photo: PTI) PTI

The Supreme Court laid down guidelines against "disparaging" portrayal of persons with disabilities in visual media and films on Monday, 8 July saying that terms such as "cripple" and "spastic" have acquired "devalued meanings" in societal perceptions.

The verdict came on a plea filed by one Nipun Malhotra, who submitted that the Hindi film 'Aankh Micholi' contained deprecatory references to differently abled persons.

Pronouncing the verdict, a bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said, "Words cultivate institutional discrimination and terms such as cripple and spastic have come to acquire devalued meanings in societal perceptions about persons with disabilities."

Published: undefined

Laying down several guidelines, the bench said the film certification body CBFC must invite the opinion of experts before allowing screening.

"Visual media should strive to depict diverse realities of persons with disabilities, showcasing not only their challenges but also successes, talents and contribution to society. They should neither be lampooned based on myths nor presented as super cripples," it added.

Published: undefined

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Google News, Instagram 

Join our official telegram channel (@nationalherald) and stay updated with the latest headlines

Published: undefined