Portrayal of disabled

THE Supreme Court has made a bold and welcome intervention by issuing guidelines to govern how people with disabilities are portrayed in films and other visual media. The landmark verdict underscores that language that disparages persons with special needs marginalises them further. It supplements the barriers in their social participation. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has called for authentic as well as respectful representation, and not stereotyping that belittles their experiences. There have been jokes made on the disabled for comic relief, and this understanding is obsolete, he notes. The lack of familiarity has been attributed to the inadequate representation of the disabled in the dominant discourse. The CJI’s message is crystal clear — distinguish between ‘disability humour’, which helps in understanding the disabled, and ‘disablement humour’ that denigrates them.

The apex court has aptly concluded that creative liberty cannot include the freedom to lampoon, stereotype, misrepresent or disparage those already marginalised. There is no denying that terms such as ‘cripple’ and ‘spastic’ have acquired devalued meanings in societal perceptions. Filmmakers now have a responsibility to move away from disrespectful tropes and caricatures. The creative lens must shift focus to sensitive, inclusive and realistic representation.

The new guidelines align with the anti-discrimination and dignity-affirming objectives of the Constitution as well as the Rights for Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The legislation seeks to protect and promote the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Reclaiming their rightful space continues to be a struggle for them. Unequal hiring and promotion, lack of access to training, occupational segregation, negligible attention to their requirements at restrooms and public offices — this is their reality. Real empowerment lies in providing them an enabling environment. Depicting them as they are is a crucial step.