Court Responds to PIL Alleging Law Breaches by Delivery Agents
The Delhi High Court has issued notices to the central government, Delhi Police, transport authorities, and several major e-commerce and gig platforms following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). The petition claims that delivery workers across platforms are violating traffic rules by carrying oversized and overweight packages on two-wheelers, putting themselves and the public at risk.
Key E-commerce Platforms Named in the PIL
The platforms named in the PIL include:
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Amazon Seller Services
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Flipkart
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Domino’s
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McDonald’s
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Zepto
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BigBasket
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Porter
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Swiggy
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Zomato
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Urban Company
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Delhi’s transport department, and Delhi Police have also been directed to respond.
Petition Highlights Risk to Public Safety
Filed by Supreme Court advocate Shashank Shri Tripathi, the PIL argues that many delivery partners regularly use two-wheelers to carry large, bulky, and heavy items—including industrial kits, foldable furniture, and large delivery boxes—that exceed legal size and weight limits.
According to the petition, this practice violates the Motor Vehicles Act and creates serious dangers for delivery workers, commuters, and pedestrians.
Delhi Govt Asked to Submit 2023 Delivery Policy
The Delhi government told the court it has already implemented a regulatory framework—The Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme, notified in November 2023.
However, the bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed the Delhi government to place the policy on record and explain what steps have been taken since its launch.
All respondents must file their written responses within four weeks.
Petitioner Calls for Stronger Gig Economy Rules
The PIL urges the High Court to:
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Direct authorities to develop strict guidelines for regulating delivery services in the gig economy.
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Ensure that e-commerce platforms comply with traffic laws, particularly the Motor Vehicles Act.
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Prevent the delivery ecosystem from operating in a “regulatory vacuum”.
The petitioner emphasizes that public safety cannot be compromised in the name of convenience or fast deliveries.
