The Delhi High Court on Monday directed over-the-top (OTT) platforms and film producers to incorporate accessibility features such as audio descriptions and same-language captions in movies available on streaming platforms.

The order, passed by Justice Sachin Datta, applies to several films including The Buckingham Murders, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Shaitaan, Article 370, and Kaluva. The Court emphasized that going forward, producers must ensure these features are included at the time of a film’s release on OTT platforms.

The Court also asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to expedite the process of finalizing formal guidelines to regulate accessibility in digital content.

The matter is scheduled to be heard next on July 17.

The proceedings concern the integration of accessibility tools—such as audio descriptions, same-language subtitles, and Indian Sign Language—in digital content to support viewers who are visually and hearing impaired.

Advocate Rahul Bajaj, appearing for the petitioners, noted that while some films have incorporated these features after release, such measures should be mandatory at the initial release stage. He also informed the Court that while the MIB is working on guidelines, only an advisory exists currently, which he has challenged.

On behalf of Netflix, Advocate Saikrishna Rajgopal submitted that the platform is committed to complying with MIB guidelines and noted that all Netflix Originals already include certain accessibility features.