Flipkart responded to the complaint.
Flipkart and BigBasket guaranteed delivery services on April 19.
One complaint has been filed before Tamil Nadu State Election Commissioner B Kothi Niramlasamy. It has been filed against e-commerce companies Flipkart and Tata Group’s BigBasket for allegedly promising to deliver goods on the day of the elections. The complaint filed by Chennai High Court lawyer, K Narasimhan alleged that these companies are making the delivery boys work on the day of voting on April 19 in Tamil Nadu, despite the state government declaring a holiday due to polls. K Narasimhal shared in a statement, “As per the government order, April 19 has been officially declared a public holiday under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881 to facilitate the electoral process”. He further added that the Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department of Tamil Nadu has made it mandatory to observe a paid holiday for all employees working in shops, commercial establishments, industrial establishments and IT companies on April 19 to ensure everyone’s participation in the democratic process.
The complaint read, “Despite the directive, it has come to our notice that online delivery platforms such as Flipkart and BigBasket are continuing to guarantee delivery services on April 19. This raises serious concerns regarding the infringement of delivery personnel’s rights, particularly those who are integral to the operations of these platforms.” Now, the complainant has demanded an investigation into the claims by these companies for guaranteeing delivery on the voting day. The complainant also urged the court to take appropriate measures to ensure the democratic rights of everyone are upheld irrespective of the state.
Flipkart responded that it is giving paid holiday leaves only to eligible employees. A Flipkart spokesperson stated, “At the Flipkart group, we’re following all the directives and guidelines provided by the authorities with regard to polling day and are giving all eligible employees a paid holiday to exercise their franchise.” The spokesperson further added, “In addition, we have taken steps to drive awareness and encourage employees to vote.”
The 18th Lok Sabha elections’ first of the seven phases will begin on April 19. As per the schedule, the second phase is scheduled to be held on April 26, May 7 will see the third phase, May 13 will be the fourth phase, the fifth phase on May 20 and the sixth and seventh phases on May 25 and June 1 respectively. The counting of votes will be held on June 4.