In a pivotal move, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed popular quick commerce platforms Swiggy and Zepto to file responses concerning a plea highlighting the lack of accessibility in their apps for visually impaired users. The court issued notices to both companies as well as the Centre, giving them a four-week deadline to respond. The action stems from a petition filed by the NGO Mission Accessibility, advocating for digital inclusivity.
Justice Sachin Datta, presiding over the case, emphasized the need for these platforms to adhere to the accessibility standards mandated by law. According to the NGO’s representative, Amar Jain, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act explicitly requires digital platforms to incorporate features that support users with disabilities. However, the petitioner claims that despite the legal deadline of 2019, both Swiggy and Zepto have failed to make their apps compatible with screen-reader software, which is crucial for visually impaired users to navigate and use the services effectively.
The petition argues that the absence of accessible search functions and interactive elements on these platforms not only infringes on the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution but also compromises the dignity of persons with disabilities by denying them equal access to essential services such as food delivery and grocery shopping.
