Shivani Thakur
Published on: April 12, 2022 at 21:10 IST
The Supreme Court asked the Film & Television Institute of India (FTII) to ensure that its Courses and Admissions are open to all, including Specially-abled and Colour-Blind Candidates.
A Bench of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and MM Sundresh ruled that,
“We find ourselves with majority view of Committee. Same to be adopted by Film & Television Institute of India in its Curriculum. It does not impede on their Freedom but gives them a broader canvas in pioneering effort.”
The Court was hearing a Plea by a former student challenging the Mandatory Module on colour editing and him being debarred for not clearing the same on account of his colour blindness.
Counsel for the institute said that it would be difficult to modify the entire curricula given the technical nature of the field and in some Courses Visually Impaired are specifically limited from being able to pursue it.
“Art is non-conformist and will not fit in any box. It is this thought process which made us pass the Order dealing with the aspect of colour blindness.” Supreme Court observed.
“It is the view of the Committee that individuals with colour blindness should be able to enrol for all courses at Film & Television Institute of India. Reasons being film and Television creations are collaborating art forms. Restricting may stifle creative talent, development of art. Any limitation can be overcome by help. It is not for Film & Television Institute of India to determine candidates’ future occupational prospects. Job of an editor is not mechanical, must creatively work with story, dialogue, music and performances and even rewrite the film. It is opined that there is no relevance of colouring course, as an expert can make up for the shortfall.” The Bench noted.
The Committee observed that Film & television Institute of India as a premier institution can give reasonable accommodation as the art of filmmaking is a collaborative art and any limitation would be compensated if Film & Television Institute of India can accommodate all.
The Bench also observed “Possibly a mountain out of a molehill is a being created over a 20-minute Module.”
The Court asked the institution to file a Response in two weeks, the matter will be heard again on May 10.