Delhi High Court Issues Notice to Swiggy, Zepto and MeitY Over Lack of Accessibility for Visually Impaired Users
Date: April 26, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, creating inclusive digital experiences isn't just a best practice - it’s a legal necessity. With the rise of stronger accessibility laws and real-world lawsuits, businesses in India must recognize that accessibility compliance is no longer optional.
Landmark Case: Delhi High Court Issues Notices to Swiggy, Zepto and MeitY Over Accessibility Compliance (23 April, 2025)
In a significant move towards enforcing digital accessibility in India, the Delhi High Court has issued notices to Swiggy, Zepto and MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology). The action follows a petition filed by the NGO Mission Accessibility, highlighting how visually impaired users are unable to access these popular platforms due to non-compliance with accessibility standards.
Here’s what happened:
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued a notice to companies, Swiggy and Zepto and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) over allegations that the food delivery mobile apps are inaccessible to people with visual impairment.
This move comes after NGO Mission Accessibility filed a petition claiming that the apps' inaccessibility violates the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and the Constitution of India.
The NGO's representative, petitioner Amar Jain, claimed that despite the legal mandate, Swiggy and Zepto did not make their apps compatible with the screen-reader software, making it difficult for visually impaired users to search for products or place an order.
Jain has submitted that these mobile apps failed to comply with the requirements under Sections 40 and 46 of the Rights of People with Disabilities (RPwD) Act and Rule 15 of the RPwD Rules, 2017.
Additionally, it was stated that the inaccessibility of these applications violates fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and the Rules.
The inaction of the Respondent Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in enforcing these standards further aggravates the issue, the plea added.
The petitioner seeks directions to: A detailed accessibility audit to identify existing barriers faced by persons with disabilities' Ensure full compliance with digital accessibility standards and make platforms screen-reader friendly; Offer alternative mechanisms for inaccessible elements and integrate essential features like voice-guided camera positioning and hold non-compliant entities accountable under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act under Sections 89 & 90 of the RPwD Act, 2016.
Justice Sachin Datta directed Swiggy, Zepto and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to respond to the petition within four weeks.
The next hearing is scheduled for May 28.
The Legal Framework Behind the Case
India has laws that mandate accessibility:
| Law | Implemented By | Year | Is it Mandatory? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD Act) | Parliament of India | 2016 | ✅ Yes | Mandates non-discrimination and full accessibility in physical and digital spaces. |
| Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) | 2009, updated versions 2021 | ✅ For government websites (advised for private too) | Ensures web portals are accessible, user-friendly and compliant with global standards like WCAG. |
| Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Accessibility of ICT Products and Services | Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities | 2021 | ✅ Mandatory for government departments; recommended for private sector | Focused on accessible websites, mobile apps, ATMs, kiosks and more. |
In simple terms: If your website or mobile app is not accessible, you could be violating Indian law.
Read More: Why Brands Must Fulfill Accessibility on Their Digital Platforms? What If They Miss It?
Need help? Reach out to PanXWorld for expert accessibility audits and solutions.