The Supreme Court of India set forth a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at ensuring respectful and accurate representation of individuals with disabilities in films and visual media.
This ruling emerged from a petition challenging the insensitive portrayal of people with disabilities in the Sony Pictures film Aankh Micholi. The Supreme Court, with Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud at the helm, underscored the necessity for authentic and dignified depictions, emphasizing the profound societal influence of cinematic portrayals.
The court acknowledged the powerful role of cinema in shaping public perceptions, warning that inaccurate or stereotypical representations can reinforce harmful misconceptions. CJI Chandrachud emphasized, “It is imperative that films depict the reality of disabled persons’ lives, as resorting to stereotypes belittles the diverse experiences of these individuals. Stereotyping is an antithesis of dignity and anti-discrimination principles under Article 14.”
Addressing past insensitivities, Chandrachud stated, “Jokes made at the expense of the disabled for comic relief are obsolete under the new social model. This lack of familiarity arises due to inadequate representation of the disabled in dominant discourse.”
The bench stressed that genuine representation requires more than just appropriate casting. It involves engaging with individuals with disabilities and consulting experts to portray characters with nuance and depth. This approach is intended to cultivate empathy and understanding among audiences, fostering inclusivity.
The Supreme Court’s decision calls on filmmakers to abandon disrespectful tropes and caricatures of people with disabilities. This aligns with global advocacy efforts for better representation of marginalized communities in media.
The seven-point guidelines for filmmakers, as outlined by the court, include:
- Avoiding language that leads to institutional discrimination, such as terms like ‘crippled’, which can contribute to negative self-image.
- Ensuring that language reflects the social barriers faced by individuals with disabilities.
- Verifying medical information about impairments, such as night blindness, to prevent increased discrimination.
- Steering clear of myths and stereotypes, such as the notion that all impaired individuals have enhanced sensory superpowers.
- Adhering to the principle of ‘nothing about us without us’, ensuring uniform participation of people with disabilities.
- Consulting with disability rights advocacy groups to portray characters accurately.
- Implementing training and sensitization programs for creators.
This ruling by the Supreme Court marks a significant step towards more inclusive and respectful media representations of people with disabilities, aligning India with global movements advocating for the rights and dignity of marginalized communities.
