Fighting a legal battle for almost six years, first in Bombay HC and then in SC, the petitioner finally convinced the court to remove the impediment for colour-blind people for admission in film and television institutes.

In its order, SC noted the findings of the court-appointed committee and said, "Film and television creations are collaborative art forms. The majority view of the committee was that restricting the entry of colourblind candidates to film courses may sacrifice creative talent and stultify the development of the art. Inclusivity enriches this creative art form by introducing variety. Any limitation can be overcome by an assistant in the educational and professional life."

The court said if the learning limitations of a candidate could be overcome by making reasonable accommodations or with the help of an assistant, then the candidate should be eligible for admission to courses offered by FTII or any other institute in country.

The committee is composed of people from the film industry and ophthalmologists. Advocate Shoeb Alam, who was part of the committee, told the bench at the outset of hearing that the panel came to the conclusion that colourblind people should be allowed to pursue all courses in the film and television institute. But advocate Amit Anand Tiwari, appearing for FTII, contended that the institute was alive to the needs of differently-abled people, but it was not technically feasible to grant admission to colourblind students for the film editing course.

The bench, however, said it was not convinced with the submission of the institute and added that it was time to make a change.

(With inputs from agencies)