Abhimanyu Dassani Mrunal Thakur Aankh Micholi photos
Ambika Pandit (THE TIMES OF INDIA; November 12, 2023)

New Delhi: 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), P P 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 cognizance 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”.

Against 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.
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THE TIMES OF INDIA (November 9, 2023)

Panaji: The office of the state commissioner for persons with disabilities on Wednesday strongly recommended to the collectors of both districts to ban the Hindi film “Aankh Micholi” for mocking disabled people.

The commissioner said that the film violates sections 3 and 7 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Section 3 mandates that the government ensure people with disabilities enjoy the right to equality, and life with dignity and respect.

Section 7 offers safeguards against abuse, violence, and exploitation.

The Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) had complained to the commission. It has also urged the police to file criminal complaints under Section 92 of the 2016 act against the film’s producer, director, and stars for mocking persons with disabilities.

The president of the association, Avelino de Sa, has written to the ministries of information and broadcasting and social justice demanding the immediate removal of the chairperson of the censor board for issuing a certification to the film.

He said showing persons with disabilities in bad light nullifies efforts of central and state governments, and non-governmental organisations to empower them.