Swiggy and Zepto Under Legal Scrutiny for Violating Disability Rights

Swiggy and Zepto Under Legal Scrutiny:
A public interest petition was filed in the Delhi High Court against food and grocery apps for ignoring users with visual impairments. The complaint highlights that popular platforms like Swiggy and Zepto do not offer proper accessibility features for the blind and visually impaired. This issue represents a serious gap in digital inclusion across consumer tech services.

Swiggy and Zepto Under Legal Scrutiny

According to the petition, blind users cannot independently order food or groceries using these delivery apps. The petition argues that both Swiggy and Zepto failed to make their platforms usable for this group of people. As a result, the court admitted the plea and directed the companies to respond. The next hearing is scheduled for May 28.

Violation of Disability Rights

The petition points out that the inaccessibility of these apps violates the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. This failure denies visually impaired users their right to equality, respect and freedom of expression. The case also brings attention to broader constitutional violations caused by digital exclusion.

Required Features for Better Access

The NGO behind the petition is demanding that these platforms follow digital accessibility standards. The requested features include:

– Compatibility with screen readers
– Alternatives for non accessible elements
– Voice guided camera support for returns and other processes

The NGO said that they first raised these concerns with the companies’ customer support teams. But they received no meaningful response. Emails to Swiggy and Zepto asking for clarification also went unanswered.

A Step Toward Digital Equality

This case may lead to changes that help make digital platforms accessible to all. Inclusive design can improve lives and expand the user base for companies. Accessibility is not just a legal requirement,it is also a responsibility.

Larger Implications

This case has wider significance for the digital inclusion movement in India. As online services grow rapidly ensuring that all citizens including those with disabilities can access and use these platforms is vital. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for accessibility across digital platforms.

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