A petition filed in the High Court claims that ride-booking platforms, especially Uber, discriminate against persons with disabilities by not providing proper accessibility. It mentions cases where wheelchair users were denied services and faced other difficulties. The court has asked the Centre and Uber to respond to these allegations. The case highlights the need for better inclusive practices in transportation services.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court requested responses from the Centre and Uber regarding a complaint filed by lawyer Rahul Bajaj, who is visually impaired and alleges discrimination while using the ride-booking app.
Justice Sanjeev Narula issued a notice concerning Bajaj’s petition, asking both the Centre and Uber India Technology Private Limited to provide their stance.
Bajaj’s counsel reported that he faced discriminatory and disrespectful behavior while booking an auto ride through the app, along with numerous challenges in accessing the service.
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One incident highlighted involved an auto driver who not only refused to take Bajaj to his intended destination, citing a reluctance to assist with navigation, but also acted disrespectfully after agreeing to the ride.
The petitioner argued that the driver’s behaviour exemplified discrimination and stated that ride-hailing services like Uber have not ensured that their drivers receive adequate training and awareness as mandated by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.
Despite Uber’s claims of a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination, the petitioner contended that the company has failed to implement effective disability sensitization.
Bajaj noted that even after sharing these incidents on social media, he continues to encounter reluctance from Uber’s auto drivers.
The plea seeks appropriate measures to address these issues, with the matter scheduled for a hearing on March 27, 2025.
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Uber Technologies, Inc. is a global ride-booking company founded in 2009 by Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick. It changed the way people travel by allowing users to book rides through a smartphone app, connecting passengers with drivers of private cars. Uber operates in cities around the world and offers different services, including:
- Ride-Booking: The main service where users book rides using the Uber app, and drivers use their personal cars to provide the rides.
- Uber Eats: A food delivery service that lets users order food from restaurants, delivered by drivers using cars, bikes, or scooters.
- Uber Consignment: A service for the logistics industry, connecting truck drivers with people needing to ship goods.
- Advanced Technologies: Uber is also working on self-driving cars, aerial taxis (Uber Elevate), and other new technologies to improve and expand its services.
Uber has become one of the most famous names in the sharing economy, but it has faced challenges such as legal issues, tough competition, and controversies over its business practices. The company went public in 2019 and now offers a range of transportation services.