Delhi HC issues notice to ZEE over FIFA World Cup streaming accessibility for the visually challenged

The Delhi High Court has issued notice to Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited on a petition alleging that its OTT platform ZEE5 is inaccessible to visually impaired persons, preventing them from independently accessing digital content, including live coverage of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who heard the petition filed by disability rights lawyer Rahul Bajaj on July 2, also directed the Central government to submit its reply within two weeks.

The petition, filed through lawyers Amritesh Mishra, Sarah and Amar Jain, alleges that their client, Mr. Bajaj, was unable to independently access ZEE5 to follow the 2026 FIFA World Cup, for which the platform has exclusive broadcast rights in India.

They argued that ZEE5 platforms, an over-the-top (OTT) streaming app and website, are inaccessible to people who are blind or have low vision and rely on screen reader technologies such as TalkBack, VoiceOver and Voice Assistant.

“Suffice it to say that all digital platforms currently operating in the Indian market are under a continuing legal obligation to ensure that they are accessible to people with disabilities,” the plea said.

“The ZEE5 platform is inaccessible right at the threshold: even purchasing a subscription is a serious hassle due to unlabeled buttons and an otherwise inaccessible interface that cannot be meaningfully navigated using a screen reader,” he added.

“Even where a subscription is somehow obtained, the platform suffers from common obstacles such as unlabeled or mislabeled controls, unstable focus and automatic cursor movement, an inaccessible media player, poor content discovery, and dynamic interface behavior that disrupts assistive technology,” the defense added.

In defense, the Supreme Court Pragya Prasun / Union of India The case stated that the right to digital access is an integral part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21.

“Specifically, the petitioner’s contention is not that the FIFA World Cup broadcast should be subject to any modifications for the benefit of the disabled. He is satisfied for now with the audio commentary offered. His complaint is that the platform is inaccessible, so that a blind user cannot access the commentary independently at all,” the defense said.