The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued a notice to media conglomerate ZEE Ltd., directing the company to respond to a petition that alleges its ZEE5 app and website are not accessible to users who are blind or have low vision.
The petition, filed by a group of disability‑rights advocates, claims that ZEE5’s platform lacks screen‑reader support, audio descriptions, and other assistive features required for visually impaired viewers to watch the FIFA World Cup matches being streamed in India. The petitioners argue that the denial of digital access infringes the fundamental right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, citing the Supreme Court’s 2022 judgment in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India that recognized internet access as a component of the right to life.
In its order, the Delhi High Court noted that “digital accessibility is an integral part of the fundamental right to life” and instructed ZEE to file a written response within 30 days. The court also directed the parties to explore possible remedial measures, including the implementation of accessible design standards in line with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.
ZEE Ltd. has not yet commented publicly on the notice. The company’s spokesperson declined to provide a statement to The Hindu, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
The case arrives as India prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with multiple broadcasters vying for digital rights. Disability groups say that the issue reflects a broader pattern of inadequate accessibility across Indian streaming platforms, despite the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which mandates “reasonable accommodation” for persons with disabilities in digital services.
Analysis:
If the court finds ZEE in violation of accessibility obligations, it could set a precedent compelling other streaming services to upgrade their platforms, potentially accelerating compliance with international accessibility standards. Enforcement may, however, be challenged by technical and cost considerations, especially for smaller content providers. The notice underscores a growing judicial willingness to interpret constitutional rights expansively to cover digital spaces, aligning Indian jurisprudence with global trends that treat internet access as a basic human right.
Sources
– The Hindu, “Delhi HC issues notice to ZEE over FIFA World Cup streaming accessibility for the visually challenged,” https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-hc-issues-notice-to-zee-over-fifa-world-cup-streaming-accessibility-for-the-visually-challenged/article71178492.ece
Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
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