Delhi HC Demands Government Action: A Push for Disabled-Friendly Ride-Hailing Apps
Court’s Stern Warning to Government
In a significant move, the Delhi High Court has urged the Centre to outline and implement a mechanism that ensures ride-hailing apps are accessible to the specially-abled community. According to recent reports, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has been given a final chance to submit an affidavit on the matter within four weeks. Failure to comply may see the ministry’s joint secretary summoned directly to the court. This step emphasizes the critical need for government and tech developers to prioritize accessibility.
The Lawsuit That Sparked Change
This directive comes on the heels of a writ petition filed by accessibility activists against the popular ride-hailing service, Rapido. Amar Jain and Dipto Ghosh Choudhary criticized the app for lacking features essential to disabled users. The petition highlighted specific shortcomings that rendered accessibility software almost unusable for visually impaired individuals, pushing the urgency of regulatory measures.
Rapido’s Commitment and Setbacks
Initially conceding to its app’s accessibility issues, Rapido pledged upgrades to meet the necessary statutory standards. Yet, subsequent audits exposed 81 major accessibility failures and 170 errors, prompting the court to re-emphasize the need for significant improvements. As technology evolves, platforms like Rapido are urged to align with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, setting a critical precedent for industry-wide practices.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act
The 2016 Act mandates comprehensive accessibility standards across government and private sectors. It aims for inclusivity, dictating that all service platforms must adhere to central guidelines, ensuring equal access for all users. This legal framework supports a progressive society where technology can be navigated by everyone.
Rapido’s Evolution and Financial Trajectory
Founded by Rishikesh SR, Pavan Guntupalli, and Aravind Sanka, Rapido has rapidly expanded, offering bike and cab services alongside peer-to-peer delivery under Rapido Local. Although the startup achieved unicorn status with a valuation increase to $120 million, its financial path has been rocky. Despite growing revenue, Rapido reported a net loss rise by over 50% in FY23, illustrating both the challenges and opportunities in scaling sustainable, inclusive services.
According to Inc42, these developments underscore a broader call for integration of accessible technology in India’s burgeoning app ecosystem. As regulatory pressures mount, the hope is for all stakeholders to collaboratively build a digitally inclusive future.
