The Delhi High Court has issued notices to major ride-hailing companies Uber, Ola, and Rapido, demanding accountability from private operators regarding the safety of women using app-based taxi services. The court emphasized that these private entities cannot evade responsibility when passengers encounter security risks.
A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, made these observations while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) that advocates for more stringent safety measures for women utilizing app-based cabs, bike-taxis, and other ride-sharing platforms.
The bench also served notices to the Central Government and the Delhi Government, directing all respondents to submit their responses. The next hearing for the matter is scheduled for December 16.
The PIL, initiated by petitioner Aditya Sehgal, calls for a comprehensive review and upgrade of existing safety protocols for women availing app-based transport services within the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).
During the proceedings, counsel for the petitioner highlighted that over two lakh app-based cabs are operational in the Delhi-NCR area. However, allegations were raised concerning the insufficient verification processes for drivers, particularly during nighttime operations.
The counsel informed the court that there is a lack of effective checks after 8 or 9 pm to ensure that drivers, including those serving airports or other critical locations, are fit to operate and are not under the influence of alcohol.
The petition outlines several key demands, including safeguards to guarantee that the driver and vehicle assigned to a booking match the details displayed on the application. It also proposes a system where passengers can cancel a ride without incurring penalties if an unauthorized driver or vehicle shows up, with such discrepancies being recorded as safety incidents.
Another significant demand is the establishment of 24-hour command and control centres. These centres would be equipped to respond to SOS alerts and share critical information such as booking details, driver identity, vehicle registration, and live location data with police and emergency responders, while ensuring adherence to privacy safeguards.
The plea further seeks the implementation of automatic alerts for significant deviations from the booked route, mandatory gender-sensitivity training for drivers, and enhanced surveillance at locations identified as vulnerable.
For women travelling alone, the petitioner has proposed the creation of a pool of verified female drivers. Passengers would have the option to request or be preferentially allocated such drivers whenever they are available.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the court’s directive signifies a move towards holding app-based transportation providers more accountable for the safety of their passengers, particularly women who rely on these services for their daily commute and travel.
The proceedings underscored concerns about the efficacy of current safety mechanisms in place for app-based transport services, prompting judicial intervention to ensure greater passenger security and regulatory oversight of the companies operating in this sector. The aim is to create a safer environment for all users, with a specific focus on addressing the vulnerabilities faced by women travelers.
The Chenab Times News Desk