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The High Court acknowledged the gravity of the situation, recognising that the ban has a direct impact on the earnings and sustenance of the operators
The High Court has set a firm deadline of September 22 for the government to present its official stance. Representational image
In a major development that can bring back bike taxis on Bengaluru roads, the Karnataka High Court has issued a firm directive to the state government, urging it to decide its stance on formulating rules for these conveyances within four weeks.
The court’s action comes in response to a petition filed by bike taxi operators who are challenging the government’s complete prohibition on their services. This legal battle highlights the growing tension between traditional transport regulations and the evolving gig economy, with the livelihoods of thousands of drivers hanging in the balance.
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During the hearing, the legal representatives for the bike taxi operators presented a compelling case against the ban. They underscored that a majority of Indian states—specifically, 13 of them—have already successfully formulated and implemented a policy framework for bike taxis. This fact, they argued, makes Karnataka’s decision to enforce a blanket ban an outlier and an unjustified measure.
The operators also pointed to the unique operational benefits of their services, noting that two-wheelers can easily navigate congested urban areas and reach locations inaccessible to cars and auto-rickshaws, thereby offering a crucial last-mile connectivity solution that doesn’t significantly worsen traffic.
The High Court acknowledged the gravity of the situation, recognising that the ban has a direct impact on the earnings and sustenance of the operators. Granting the government a period of four weeks to craft a clear policy, the court emphasised that a decision must be made, as “there are lives at stake”.
In response, the state’s advocate general, Shashikiran Shetty, assured the court that the government would comply with the directive and provide its official position within the given timeframe. The High Court has set a firm deadline of September 22 for the government to present its official stance.
This directive marks a significant moment in the struggle for the formal recognition of bike taxis in Karnataka. It places the onus squarely on the government to either justify its complete ban or follow the lead of other states and create a regulatory framework. The outcome of this decision will not only impact the future of ride-sharing in the state but will also serve as a precedent for how governments approach the regulation of innovative, app-based services that are reshaping urban mobility and employment.
About the Author
Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India’s space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi…Read More
Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India’s space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and RTI investi… Read More
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