The court of the chief commissioner for persons with disabilities (CCPD) has issued notice to the film producers and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) seeking a reply on the content mocking various types of disabilities in the Hindi film ‘Aankh Micholi’. Disability rights groups have raised concern over the narrative of the comedy film that was released earlier this month.
Taking suo-motu cognisance of the matter, a notice was issued on Friday by deputy chief commissioner (disabilities), PP Ambashta to the directors of the companies involved in the production of the film.A reply has also been sought from the CEO of CBFC and the secretary of information and broadcasting ministry.
It is stated in the notice that the CCPD has taken cognisance of the fact that the film, produced by Merry Go Round Studios and Culver Max Entertainment Pvt Ltd and certified for public view by CBFC, mocks disabilities specified under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, such as speech and language disability, hearing impairment, visual impairment and intellectual disability.
The CCPD has cited the law that says “no person with disability shall be discriminated against on the ground of disability, unless it is shown that the impugned act or omission is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim”.
“As per Section 92 of the Act, whoever intentionally insults or intimidates with intent to humiliate a person with disability in any place within public view shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to five years and with fine,” highlighted the notice.
In this backdrop, the CCPD has sought that the filmmakers and the approving authorities get the matter inquired into and forward their comments along with remedial action taken within 10 days of receipt of the notice. It has also cautioned that compliance is mandatory as the RPwD Act makes non-furnishing of any information sought under the law, a punishable offence.
Taking suo-motu cognisance of the matter, a notice was issued on Friday by deputy chief commissioner (disabilities), PP Ambashta to the directors of the companies involved in the production of the film.A reply has also been sought from the CEO of CBFC and the secretary of information and broadcasting ministry.
It is stated in the notice that the CCPD has taken cognisance of the fact that the film, produced by Merry Go Round Studios and Culver Max Entertainment Pvt Ltd and certified for public view by CBFC, mocks disabilities specified under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, such as speech and language disability, hearing impairment, visual impairment and intellectual disability.
The CCPD has cited the law that says “no person with disability shall be discriminated against on the ground of disability, unless it is shown that the impugned act or omission is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim”.
“As per Section 92 of the Act, whoever intentionally insults or intimidates with intent to humiliate a person with disability in any place within public view shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to five years and with fine,” highlighted the notice.
In this backdrop, the CCPD has sought that the filmmakers and the approving authorities get the matter inquired into and forward their comments along with remedial action taken within 10 days of receipt of the notice. It has also cautioned that compliance is mandatory as the RPwD Act makes non-furnishing of any information sought under the law, a punishable offence.