The Delhi High Court has mandated ride-hailing platform Rapido to enhance the accessibility of its app for persons with disabilities (PwD). The court directed Rapido to submit a compliance report and an audit report from an “access auditor” approved by the Department of Empowerment of PwDs by November 28.
Court’s Directive and Petition Details
Judge Sanjeev Narula issued the order while hearing a writ petition filed by accessibility activist Amar Jain and visually impaired banker Dipto Ghosh Choudhary. The petitioners raised concerns about the app’s inadequate accessibility features, specifically highlighting issues with compatibility for screen-reading software. They argued that these deficiencies rendered the app significantly unusable for PwD.
Rapido’s Response and Compliance Plan
In response to the court’s directive, Rapido acknowledged the accessibility issues and committed to updating its app within 6-8 months. The company plans to align with the accessibility standards outlined in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Additionally, Rapido has pledged to implement a training program for its captains and staff to ensure they are equipped to offer supportive services to disabled passengers. The company will also develop a feedback mechanism to address and incorporate concerns from PwD users.
Future Steps and Commitments
This legal action underscores a growing emphasis on accessibility in the tech industry, aiming to ensure that digital platforms are inclusive and usable for all individuals. Rapido’s response includes not only technical updates to the app but also broader initiatives to improve service for PwD, reflecting a commitment to enhanced inclusivity.
