The court of the chief commissioner for persons with disabilities (CCPD) has issued a notice to the producers of Aankh Micholi and the Central Board of Film Certification, seeking a reply on the content mocking various types of disabilities in the film. Disability rights groups have raised concern over the narrative of the comedy film released on November 3.
Taking suo moto cognisance of the matter, a notice was issued on November 10 by the deputy chief commissioner (disabilities) to the directors of the production companies. A reply has also been sought from the CEO of the CBFC and the secretary of the Information & 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 Sony Pictures International Productions and certified for public viewing by the 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 which says that “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”. The CCPD has asked the producers and the CBFC to forward their comments along with remedial action taken, within 10 days of receipt of the notice.