- The Delhi High Court (HC) has issued notices to Swiggy and Zepto over their apps’ inaccessibility for visually impaired users.
- Justice Sachin Datta directed both platforms and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to respond within four weeks.
- The petition claims these unfriendly apps lack screen-reader compatibility, violating the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
- The next hearing is set for May 28, 2025.
Delhi High Court Issues Notice Over Unfriendly Apps
The Delhi High Court (HC) is turning up the heat on foodtech giant Swiggy and quick-commerce star Zepto. Why? Their apps are reportedly unfriendly for visually impaired users, making it tough for them to order food or groceries independently. According to PTI, the court, led by Justice Sachin Datta, has given both companies and MeitY four weeks to respond to a petition filed by NGO Mission Accessibility.
This isn’t just a slap on the wrist. The Delhi High Court (HC) is digging into whether these platforms are complying with accessibility laws, and the stakes are high. The petition, spearheaded by advocate Amar Jain, argues that Swiggy and Zepto’s unfriendly apps are failing visually impaired users big time. The next court date? Mark your calendars for May 28, 2025.
What’s the Issue with These Unfriendly Apps?
So, what’s the big deal with these unfriendly apps? The petition lays it out plain and simple: Swiggy and Zepto’s apps don’t play nice with screen-reader software, which visually impaired folks rely on to navigate digital platforms. Without this compatibility, users can’t easily browse products, add items to their carts, or place orders.
For example, the petition points out that Swiggy’s search icon is a no-go for screen readers, forcing users to depend on voice search—if it even works. Zepto’s app? Its search box is completely unresponsive, leaving visually impaired users stuck. Plus, both apps skimp on critical details like product expiry dates or ingredient lists, which can be a health risk for users who can’t access this info. These are the kinds of barriers that make these apps unfriendly and unusable for many.
Legal Violations and Constitutional Rights
Mission Accessibility isn’t just calling out usability issues—they’re saying these unfriendly apps are breaking the law. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, required platforms to meet digital accessibility standards by 2019. Yet, here we are in 2025, and Swiggy and Zepto are still falling short, according to the petition.
The NGO argues that this isn’t just about convenience—it’s about rights. By not making their apps accessible, Swiggy and Zepto are violating the constitutional rights of persons with disabilities (PwDs) under Articles 14 (equality), 19 (freedoms), and 21 (life and liberty). Imagine being locked out of basic services like ordering groceries because an app isn’t built for you. That’s the reality for many visually impaired users, and the Delhi High Court (HC) is taking it seriously.
A Pattern of Accessibility Issues
This isn’t the first time the Delhi High Court (HC) has had to step in over unfriendly apps. Just last year, ride-hailing platform Rapido faced similar heat. In September 2024, the court ordered Rapido to submit an accessibility audit after a petition flagged its app’s lack of screen-reader support. Rapido promised a fix within six to eight months, but by March 2025, the court wasn’t impressed with their progress. They even warned Rapido to shape up or “pack up from India.” Ouch.
Rapido’s audit revealed a whopping 170 accessibility errors at the basic Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Level A, plus 81 major failures. The Swiggy-Zepto case feels like déjà vu, and it’s shining a spotlight on a bigger issue: too many tech platforms in India are dragging their feet on digital accessibility.
What’s Next for Swiggy and Zepto?
The ball’s in Swiggy and Zepto’s court now. They’ve got four weeks to respond to the Delhi High Court (HC) and explain why their apps are still unfriendly for visually impaired users. The petition isn’t just asking for quick fixes it’s demanding a full accessibility audit by government-empanelled auditors and a long-term plan to keep future updates compliant with accessibility standards.
Swiggy’s already made some noise about improving accessibility. A spokesperson told Mint they’re working on updates for their Instamart section, with fixes expected by mid-May 2025. Zepto, on the other hand, hasn’t commented yet.
This case could be a game-changer. If the Delhi High Court (HC) pushes for stricter enforcement, it might force not just Swiggy and Zepto but all tech platforms in India to rethink how they design their apps. For visually impaired users, that could mean finally getting equal access to the services most of us take for granted. Stay tuned for May 28—things are about to get interesting.
