I&B Ministry
Centre directs movie ticketing apps to display film accessibility features
Platforms must indicate audio description, captions and sign language before ticket booking
NEW DELHI: Booking a movie ticket may soon come with a clearer picture of accessibility. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has directed online movie ticketing platforms to clearly indicate whether films are available with accessibility features such as audio description, closed captions and Indian Sign Language (ISL) before users book their tickets.
The advisory, issued on July 9, follows a February 19 order by the Delhi High Court in a petition filed by visually impaired advocate Rahul Bajaj, who appeared in person.
In its order, the High Court directed the Centre, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to examine and implement measures that would enable persons with disabilities to know whether a film offers accessibility features before purchasing tickets.
Acting on those directions, the ministry has asked online ticketing platforms and aggregators to develop an independent mechanism on their websites and mobile applications to display accessibility information for every film.
According to the advisory, users should be able to verify whether a film supports features such as audio description, closed captions or same-language captioning, Indian Sign Language (ISL) or any other accessibility aid before completing a booking.
Where accessibility features are available through an external application or platform rather than being integrated into the screening itself, ticketing platforms have also been instructed to clearly mention the name of that application on the booking page.
The ministry has asked ticketing platforms to implement the mechanism within seven days, saying the move is intended to improve accessibility and enable persons with disabilities to make informed choices while booking movie tickets.
“Online ticketing platforms/ticket aggregators are advised to take appropriate steps for implementation of the above mechanism at the earliest, that is within seven days, so as to enhance accessibility and promote ease of access for persons with disabilities,” the advisory stated.
The advisory has been issued with the approval of the competent authority, and a copy has also been sent to the CBFC’s chief executive officer for necessary action.
The move marks another step towards making cinema more inclusive, ensuring that accessibility information becomes as visible as show timings and seat availability for millions of moviegoers across the country.
