Delhi High Court Seeks ZEE’s Explanation on Accessibility Issues
The Delhi High Court has requested a response from ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited concerning a petition alleging that the exclusive online streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 via ZEE5 in India is not accessible for individuals with visual impairments. This inquiry arises from a plea filed by Rahul Bajaj, a visually impaired lawyer and disability rights advocate, who aims to ensure that visually disabled individuals can also enjoy the FIFA World Cup on equal terms.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma Issues Notice to ZEE
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma has formally issued a notice to ZEE regarding this matter. The court has further directed ZEE to adhere to the specific Indian Standards that outline the necessary parameters for digital accessibility, particularly the BIS Standard IS 17802:20222, which focuses on requirements and conformance for ICT products and services.
According to the order issued on July 2, the court has instructed ZEE’s counsel to ensure that ZEE5 complies with these accessibility guidelines. Bajaj’s petition underscores the significant public interest in the FIFA World Cup and his personal desire to follow the event alongside able-bodied viewers. Despite purchasing a subscription to ZEE5, Bajaj encountered numerous accessibility challenges that hindered his ability to watch the matches independently.
Petition Highlights Accessibility Barriers and Legal Obligations
The petition argues that a significant segment of blind and low-vision users is affected due to ZEE’s failure to fulfill its ongoing statutory duty to make its platform accessible to visually impaired individuals. This omission, Bajaj contends, violates his fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. The petition also notes that Bajaj had previously issued a legal notice to ZEE, which went unheeded, prompting him to seek judicial intervention.
Bajaj has urged the court to mandate ZEE to conduct a comprehensive accessibility audit by a government-approved auditor to identify existing barriers on the ZEE5 platform. He has also requested that ZEE implement measures to make the platform fully accessible and operable independently through screen-reader technology within a specified timeframe. Furthermore, Bajaj seeks assurances that ZEE5 will maintain its accessibility standards throughout its operational lifespan.
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Additional Court Directions and Future Hearings
The plea calls for ZEE to display an Accessibility Conformance Report permanently on the ZEE5 platform and to provide mandatory training on accessibility to its development and support teams. The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 17, and the FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to conclude on July 19.
Advocates Amritesh Mishra, Sarah, and Amar Jain are representing Bajaj, while Senior Panel Counsel Neeraj Dubey is appearing on behalf of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
