Will Finalise OTT Accessibility Rules for Disabled Persons Within 3 Months, Centre Tells Delhi HC

The Centre on Thursday informed the Delhi High Court that it will finalise accessibility guidelines for persons with hearing and visual impairments on over-the-top (OTT) platforms within the next three months.

Justice Sachin Datta recorded the government’s assurance that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has uploaded the draft guidelines on its official website, inviting comments from the public and stakeholders.

Court was hearing a petition filed by visually impaired persons who raised concerns over the lack of accessibility features such as audio descriptions and subtitles for disabled viewers in newly released films on OTT platforms.

OTT content refers to audio, video and other media distributed through the internet rather than traditional broadcasting channels.

“It is assured by the Ministry’s counsel that the suggestions of the petitioner will be duly taken into account before finalising the guidelines. The Ministry has further undertaken that the finalised norms shall be issued within three months,” the judge recorded while disposing of the petition.

Earlier, the Court had directed the Ministry to frame guidelines in line with the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.

The petitioners, however, pointed out certain deficiencies in the draft, arguing that the MIB had engaged with industry representatives but had not adequately consulted persons with disabilities. They stressed that it was important for all stakeholders to be involved in the process.

Justice Datta also allowed the petitioners to submit their comments on the draft guidelines. “If the petitioner has any grievance regarding the formulation of the guidelines, they are at liberty to seek appropriate legal remedy,” the order stated.

Case Title: Akshat Baldwa & Anr v. Maddock Films Private Limited and Ors

Bench: Justice Sachin Datta

Hearing Date: 16 October 2025

Inputs: PTI