"Fix Accessibility for Disabled Persons or Shut Down": Delhi HC Warns Rapido

The Delhi High Court has issued a strong warning to bike-taxi aggregator Rapido, directing the company to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities or cease operations altogether. The court’s remarks come in response to a plea highlighting the lack of inclusive transport options for differently-abled individuals.

Court’s Key Observations

• Right to Equal Access: The Delhi HC emphasized that all transport services must cater to persons with disabilities, in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

• Non-Compliance Concerns: The court expressed dissatisfaction with Rapido’s failure to provide accessible services, warning the company to rectify the issue immediately.

• Strict Action if Ignored: The bench stated that if Rapido fails to make necessary changes, it must "pack up and stop services in the capital".

Rapido’s Response & Next Steps

• The company has been asked to submit a compliance plan detailing how it intends to make its services more accessible.

• The court has urged authorities to enforce stricter regulations to ensure that all public transport services accommodate the needs of disabled individuals.

Wider Implications

This ruling sets a precedent for other ride-hailing and transport services, pushing for greater inclusivity in urban mobility. As accessibility remains a major challenge for disabled commuters, companies like Rapido may need to redesign their business models to comply with legal and ethical obligations.

With the next hearing scheduled soon, all eyes are on Rapido’s response and the potential policy changes in the ride-hailing industry.