Delhi HC Issues Notice To Swiggy, Zepto, MeitY Over Alleged Inaccessibility Of Apps By Visually Impaired

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued a notice to companies, Swiggy and Zepto and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) over allegations that the food delivery mobile apps are inaccessible to people with visual impairment.

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The petition

This move comes after NGO Mission Accessibility filed a petition claiming that the apps' inaccessibility violates the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the Constitution of India.

The NGO's representative, petitioner Amar Jain, claimed that despite the legal mandate, Swiggy and Zepto did not make their apps compatible with the screen-reader software, making it difficult for visually impaired users to search for products or place an order.

Jain has submitted that these mobile apps failed to comply with the requirements under Sections 40 and 46 of the Rights of People with Disabilities (RPwD) Act and Rule 15 of the RPwD Rules, 2017.

Additionally, it was stated that the inaccessibility of these applications violates fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution of India, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the Rules.

The inaction of the Respondent Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in enforcing these standards further aggravates the issue, the plea added.

The petitioner seeks directions to: A detailed accessibility audit to identify existing barriers faced by persons with disabilities' Ensure full compliance with digital accessibility standards and make platforms screen-reader friendly; Offer alternative mechanisms for inaccessible elements and integrate essential features like voice-guided camera positioning and hold non-compliant entities accountable under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act under Sections 89 & 90 of the RPwD Act, 2016. [Source: Free Press Journal]

Justice Sachin Datta directed Swiggy, Zepto, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to respond to the petition within four weeks.

The next hearing is scheduled for May 28.

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