Delhi HC seeks Swiggy’s response, Zepto’s inaccessibility to users with vision impaired
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday demanded Swiggy and Zepto plead guilty to the inability of access to their apps by people with visual disabilities. Justice Sachin Datta issued a petition notifying fast business platform and NGO Mission access. They were instructed to submit a response within four weeks.
The petitioner said that despite legal authorization, Swiggy and Zepto’s apps are incompatible with screen reader software, making it difficult for people with visual impairments to search for products or place orders. The law was filed by Amar Jain, a representative of the NGO, which requires compliance with accessibility standards by 2019.
The NGO’s plea says the rights of the Persons with Disabilities Act and its rules require platforms to adopt accessibility capabilities, and the inaction of the authorities in implementing these standards will only exacerbate the problem. It added that the lack of accessible search functions and interactive elements for persons with visual disabilities creates serious barriers to independent digital access and violates the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
The request said the platforms violated the dignity of people with disabilities and denied that they had equal access to essential services such as food delivery, grocery shopping and restaurant reservations. This will be heard on May 28.
