After disruptions, e-retailers may resume services as state authorities step in

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI/BENGALURU : Most e-commerce and online delivery firms are set to resume services after state governments stepped in on Wednesday, day one of a three-week-long nationwide lockdown, to ensure that their riders aren’t harassed by the police as they deliver food and medicines to millions of homebound Indians.

Although e-commerce is counted as an essential service by the government in the current lockdown, online retailers complained that their delivery personnel faced several hurdles, including restrictions on their movement and police brutality, forcing them to suspend services.

Hours after temporarily suspending orders, Walmart-owned Flipkart said on Wednesday afternoon that it will resume delivery of grocery and essential services later in the day.