India's Direct Tax Collections Surge 15.6% to ₹27 Lakh Crore in FY 2024-25

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India's direct tax collections have showcased remarkable resilience and strength, growing by 15.59% in the financial year 2024-25 , according to data released by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) . The gross direct tax mop-up rose to ₹27.02 lakh crore , up from ₹23.38 lakh crore recorded in FY 2023-24. Key Highlights of the Tax Collections Corporate Tax collections grew from ₹11.31 lakh crore to ₹12.72 lakh crore . Non-Corporate Tax collections surged from ₹11.68 lakh crore to ₹13.73 lakh crore . Securities Transaction Tax (STT) receipts witnessed an impressive jump from ₹34,192 crore to ₹53,296 crore . Wealth tax and other minor direct taxes saw a dip from ₹4,068 crore to ₹3,366 crore . After adjusting for refunds (which increased by 26.04% to ₹4.76 lakh crore ), the net direct tax collections stood at ₹22.26 lakh crore , reflecting a healthy 13.57% growth compared to last year’s ₹19.60 lakh crore. This strong performance indicates a buoyan...
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Delhi High Court Issues Notice to Swiggy, Zepto Over App Inaccessibility for Visually Impaired Users


Landmark plea raises concerns on digital inclusion and rights of persons with disabilities

Background of the Case

On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court issued notices to food delivery giants Swiggy and Zepto, along with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in a significant case concerning digital accessibility for visually impaired users. The petition, filed by the NGO Mission Accessibility, alleges that these companies' mobile applications are not designed to be accessible to persons with visual impairments, thereby violating multiple legal and constitutional provisions.

The case was heard by Justice Sachin Datta, who directed all respondents to file their replies within four weeks. The matter will next be taken up on May 28, 2025.

Key Allegations by the Petitioner

The petition, filed through advocates Sarah and Taha Bin Tasneem, with advocate Rahul Bajaj appearing for the petitioner, outlines specific issues related to the user interface and usability of the Swiggy and Zepto mobile apps for visually impaired persons. Key concerns raised include:

  • Lack of screen-reader compatibility, which prevents voice-assisted navigation.

  • Unlabeled interactive elements such as buttons and forms.

  • Missing product details, essential for independent user decision-making.

  • Absence of voice-guided camera positioning for tasks requiring scanning or verification.

  • Inability to perform basic transactions independently and securely.

Legal Framework and Violations Cited

The petition highlights violations of the following laws and provisions:

  1. Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016

    • Section 40: Mandates the formulation of standards for accessibility of information and communication technology (ICT).

    • Section 46: Requires service providers to ensure accessibility features.

    • Sections 89 & 90: Provide for penal provisions against non-compliance.

  2. RPwD Rules, 2017

    • Rule 15: Specifies requirements for websites and mobile applications to be usable by persons with disabilities.

  3. The Constitution of India

    • Article 14: Right to Equality

    • Article 19: Right to Freedom of Expression

    • Article 21: Right to Life and Personal Liberty

The petition also criticises the inaction by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in enforcing these mandates, thereby enabling digital exclusion of an entire community.

Reliefs Sought by the Petitioner

The NGO has asked the court to direct the respondents to:

  • Conduct a detailed accessibility audit of their digital platforms.

  • Ensure compliance with accessibility standards, making the apps screen-reader compatible.

  • Implement alternative mechanisms where full accessibility is not yet possible (e.g., audio prompts, voice-guided camera alignment).

  • Hold the companies accountable under Sections 89 & 90 of the RPwD Act for their failure to comply.

  • Institutionalize regular accessibility updates to accommodate evolving assistive technologies.

Wider Implications and Significance

This case carries far-reaching implications not only for Swiggy and Zepto but for the entire tech and digital service ecosystem in India. It raises critical questions about:

  • Corporate responsibility in ensuring universal digital access.

  • Government accountability in enforcing disability rights laws.

  • The broader digital divide faced by persons with disabilities, especially in the post-COVID, digitally-dependent economy.

This is one of the first few high-profile petitions that bring accessibility in private digital services under legal scrutiny, potentially setting a precedent for future compliance in e-commerce, banking, ed-tech, and beyond.

Conclusion

The Delhi High Court’s notice signals a strong step toward digital equity and inclusion. As India positions itself as a digital-first economy, such litigation may serve as a wake-up call for tech companies to move beyond basic compliance and design truly inclusive experiences.

The court’s upcoming hearing on May 28 will be closely watched by civil rights advocates, disability rights groups, and the tech community alike.


Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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