Court Orders Zee5 to Ensure FIFA World Cup Accessibility

A legal battle is underway to ensure digital accessibility for persons with disabilities on the streaming platform Zee5. A court has mandated that Zee5 take steps to make its platform accessible, following a plea highlighting the inability of visually impaired individuals to enjoy content like the ongoing FIFA World Cup. The case underscores that purchasing a subscription and navigating the platform are significant challenges due to unlabelled buttons and an inaccessible interface.

Arguments presented in court point out that the platform's inaccessibility violates fundamental rights, including equality and freedom of expression. The petitioner, a disability rights expert, cited that compliance with digital accessibility standards, based on Bureau of Indian Standards guidelines, was statutorily required by June 2019 and May 2025. Zee5's exclusive broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in India amplify the urgency, as the tournament's public interest necessitates equal access for all.

The court's intervention came during a hearing on September 17, 2026, where it inquired about the absence of Zee5's legal representation. The petitioner emphasized the need for interim measures to allow visually impaired persons to experience the FIFA World Cup. This ruling reinforces the principle that digital access is an integral part of the right to life, as established by previous Supreme Court judgments.