In a significant move towards ensuring inclusivity, the Delhi High Court has taken a firm stance on the issue of accessibility within ride-hailing apps. This development comes as the court has directed the Centre to provide clarity on how these platforms will cater to specially abled individuals, ensuring they are truly disabled-friendly.

The Court’s Directive

Justice Sachin Datta, presiding over the case, granted what he aptly termed a “last opportunity” to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The ministry is expected to file an affidavit within four weeks, detailing the regulatory measures in place to ensure accessibility in these apps. Should the ministry fail to comply, the joint secretary will be required to appear in person during the hearing scheduled for August 13.

The Petition that Sparked Change

This judicial push traces its origins back to a writ petition filed by accessibility activist Amar Jain and visually impaired banker Dipto Ghosh Choudhary. Their complaint centered on Rapido, a prominent ride-hailing platform, accusing it of lacking features essential for disabled users. According to them, key app features rendered accessibility applications, like screen readers, significantly unusable.

Rapido’s Response

Initially addressing the concerns, Rapido acknowledged the accessibility shortcomings, committing to revising its app to align with standards dictated by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Conducted by an authorised access auditor, the subsequent report illustrated 81 major accessibility failings alongside 170 errors. Stepping up to the plate, the court urged Rapido to bolster its app’s accessibility features for disabled individuals.

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, mandates all entities—governmental and private—to abide by inclusive service norms set by the central government. This legal framework is crucial for ensuring that platforms like Rapido provide unimpeded service to all, irrespective of physical ability.

Rapido: A Growing Phenomenon

Since its founding in 2015 by Rishikesh SR, Pavan Guntupalli, and Aravind Sanka, Rapido has burgeoned, offering an array of services from bike taxis to peer-to-peer deliveries. Recently, Rapido entered the prestigious unicorn club, after securing a $120 million investment from WestBridge Capital in August 2024. Despite an increase in operational revenue to INR 443 crore in FY23, the company also reported a substantial net loss escalation to INR 674.5 crore.

A Hopeful Outlook

The Delhi High Court’s proactive approach to ensuring that ride-hailing services cater to all, including those with disabilities, underscores a larger societal shift towards inclusivity. As stated in Inc42, whether it’s Rapido or any other service, compliance with accessibility standards isn’t merely legal; it’s a moral imperative.

This action-oriented stance signifies more than a judicial order—it’s an empathetic step forward to a future where technology and service providers accommodate every individual’s needs, truly leaving no one behind.