High Court Clears Bike Taxi Operations Lifting Karnataka State Government Ban

• High Court lifts bike taxi ban in Karnataka
• Bike taxi operators get relief from High Court
• State government setback on bike taxi policy

Karnataka, Bengaluru: In a significant development for urban transport, the High Court has allowed bike taxi services to operate in Karnataka, dealing a setback to the state government decision to impose a blanket ban on the service.

The division bench headed by Chief Justice Vibhhu Bakhru and Justice C M Joshi set aside the earlier single bench order that had upheld the government ban. The court ruled that permission cannot be denied solely on the ground that bikes cannot function as transport vehicles.

The order came while hearing appeals filed by major aggregators including Ola and Uber, who challenged the government move restricting bike taxi operations across the state. The bench observed that the law allows room for regulation rather than an outright prohibition.

As per the judgment, bike owners or aggregators seeking to operate bike taxis must submit applications to the government. Authorities have been directed to consider eligible applications and grant permission while imposing suitable conditions through regional transport offices.

The court clarified that transport authorities are empowered to prescribe operational conditions under the Motor Vehicles Act, ensuring safety and regulation without shutting down livelihoods dependent on the service.

During the hearing, the Bike Taxi Welfare Association argued that the ban threatened the income of nearly six lakh families. Many riders had purchased bikes using their savings and loans, relying on bike taxi work as their primary source of income.

The association also contended that denying registration and permission amounted to a violation of basic rights. Instead of imposing a ban, the government was urged to address law and order or safety concerns through proper regulation.

Bike taxi services had gained popularity in Bengaluru and other cities as an affordable alternative amid rising auto and cab fares. Complaints from certain sections, however, led the state government to impose restrictions, triggering legal challenges from aggregators.

Responding to the verdict, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the government is yet to receive the detailed court order. He stated that the decision would be examined thoroughly after receiving the copy and further action would be taken in consultation with the department commissioner.