A complaint has been filed against e-commerce company Flipkart and Tata Group firm BigBasket for purportedly asking delivery boys to work on the day of voting on April 19 in the state.
In the complaint registered before Tamil Nadu state election commissioner B Kothi Nirmalasamy on April 17, Chennai High Court lawyer K Narasimhan said that despite the state government declaring leave of April 19 for the election day, Flipkart and BigBasket are providing 100% delivery service of orders even on the day of voting.
Narasimhan said that as per government order April 19 has been officially declared a public holiday under section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881 to make easier the electoral process.
He further said that the Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department of Tamil Nadu has ordered a paid leave for all staffs working in shops, commercial establishments, industrial establishments and IT companies on April 19 to make sure their participation in the democratic process.
“Despite the directive, it has come to our notice that online delivery platforms such as Flipkart and Big Basket 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,’ the complaint said.
The complainant has asked for an investigation into the claims of e-commerce of 100% delivery service on voting day(April 19) and to take required measures to uphold the democratic rights of all workers irrespective of their state of origin.
When contacted, Flipkart said that it is giving paid holidays to only eligible employees.
“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. In addition, we have taken steps to drive awareness and encourage employees to vote,” the Flipkart spokesperson said.
