HC seeks Centre, Uber reply after visually-impaired advocate who hailed aap-based rides alleges bias

Rahul Bajaj (30), the petitioner and co-founder of Mission Accessibility – an NGO working for PWDs – has sought a “structural framework” to eliminate or redress instances of discrimination. He has alleged that on August 25, he had booked an autorickshaw through Uber to travel from his residence in Sheikh Sarai to near Panchshila Park in Delhi. Bajaj was accompanied by his society’s security guard, who assisted him in locating the autorickshaw. Upon noticing Bajaj’s cane, the auto driver, however, refused to provide the ride, he alleged.

“His refusal was made in a disrespectful and discriminatory manner, and he repeated his refusal twice. The reason why he refused the ride was because he felt that he would have to escort the petitioner to the door of the café… The security guard had to (assure) the driver that the petitioner was capable of traveling independently. Only after this did the driver reluctantly agree to begin the ride,” the petition stated.

Following the incident, Bajaj posted about the same on X. While Uber representatives called and apologised to him, Bajaj said the company “committed to no concrete plan of action or grant of compensation, which would serve as a deterrence to prevent such incidents in future”.

Bajaj said he faced a similar incident on October 25 on an Uber ride where the autorickshaw driver expressed “reluctance and hesitation in guiding the petitioner, given his disability.”

Pointing out that Uber India “does not provide any mechanism for passengers to identify themselves as PwDs”, he sought imposition of penalties on Uber India for failing to make its app accessible. He also sought that MORTH be directed to adopt best practices to ensure accessible services in the ride-hailing sector.

The court will hear the matter next on March 27, 2025.