The Delhi High Court has sent notices to food delivery companies Swiggy and Zepto, along with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, over claims that their mobile apps are not usable by visually impaired users.

This action was taken after NGO Mission Accessibility filed a petition, stating that the inaccessibility of these apps violates the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the Constitution. Justice Sachin Datta has asked Swiggy, Zepto, and the Ministry to reply to the petition within four weeks. The case will be heard again on May 28.
The notice was issued after a petition was filed by the NGO Mission Accessibility, represented by advocates Sarah and Taha Bin Tasneem.

Advocate Rahul Bajaj appeared on behalf of the petitioner. The petition raises several concerns about the apps, such as the lack of accessible features, unlabeled interactive elements, missing product details, and difficulties faced by visually impaired users in positioning their device cameras for essential transactions.
The apps do not work with screen-reader software, making it difficult for visually impaired users to navigate and use the services on their own. This lack of accessibility is said to violate their basic rights to equality, dignity, and freedom of expression.

The petitioner argues that the mobile apps do not meet the rules set under Sections 40 and 46 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act and Rule 15 of the RPwD Rules, 2017. It is also claimed that the apps' inaccessibility goes against the fundamental rights guaranteed by Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution of India, as well as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the rules related to it.

The petitioner also pointed out that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology's lack of action in enforcing these accessibility standards has worsened the issue. They have requested that a comprehensive accessibility audit be conducted to identify the challenges faced by people with disabilities. The petitioner also seeks full compliance with digital accessibility standards, ensuring the platforms are screen-reader friendly.

With this, they also urged the introduction of alternative solutions for inaccessible elements and the inclusion of features like voice-guided camera positioning. Finally, the petitioner calls for holding non-compliant companies accountable under Sections 89 and 90 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

 

You might also be interested in- 'Delivery partner took the order and ran away': Swiggy support informs customer