SWIGGY, ZOMATO AND BEYOND: THE LEGAL STATUS OF PLATFORM WORKERS IN INDIA
AUTHOR – SONALI SHARMA V, STUDENT AT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, TAMILNADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY
BEST CITATION – SONALI SHARMA V, SWIGGY, ZOMATO AND BEYOND: THE LEGAL STATUS OF PLATFORM WORKERS IN INDIA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (5) OF 2026, PG. 665-672, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
ABSTRACT
The rapid expansion of the gig economy has fundamentally altered traditional employment relationships, particularly within India’s evolving digital landscape. Platform-based enterprises such as Swiggy and Zomato have generated large-scale, flexible work opportunities by engaging individuals on a task-based model. Despite these advantages, the rise of platform work has raised significant legal concerns regarding the classification, rights, and protection of gig workers.[1]
This paper examines the legal status of platform workers in India, focusing on whether they can be classified as employees or independent contractors under existing labour laws. It critically analyses the framework established under the Code on Social Security, 2020[2] and identifies key gaps in its scope and implementation. The study further considers comparative judicial developments, to evaluate emerging global approaches toward gig worker protection.
The paper argues that although Indian law has taken an important step by recognizing gig workers, it fails to provide enforceable and comprehensive rights. It concludes that there is a pressing need for legal reforms that balance the flexibility of platform work with the fundamental principles of labour protection and social security.
KEYWORDS – Gig Economy, Worker Classification, Platform worker, Social Security Regulation
[1] International Labour Organization, World Employment and Social Outlook: The Role of Digital Labour Platforms (2021).
[2] Code on Social Security, No. 36 of 2020 (India).