Karnataka HC lifts ban on Bike taxis, services set to resume

The Karnataka High Court on Friday lifted the ban on bike taxi services across the state, paving the way for platforms such as Uber to resume operations after months of uncertainty.

The decision came after a division bench of the High Court quashed an earlier order passed by a single-judge bench that had prohibited the operation of bike taxis in Karnataka. The single-judge order had effectively enforced the state government’s ban on the services.

Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the government had not yet received a copy of the judgment and would respond after examining it. “The single-judge bench of the High Court had prohibited bike taxis. The division bench has quashed that order and allowed the writ appeal. Let the judgment copy come. I will read it and then discuss it with you all,” he told reporters.

The Karnataka government had imposed the ban arguing that bike taxis were operating without a clear legal framework under the Motor Vehicles Act. Authorities maintained that motorcycles registered for private use could not be used for commercial passenger transport without specific rules, permits, and safety regulations.

The government also cited concerns over passenger safety, insurance coverage, and regulatory oversight, stating that bike taxi operations had not been formally notified or approved under state transport laws.

The division bench, however, held that a blanket prohibition on bike taxis was not justified. The court observed that the state could not enforce an outright ban without framing appropriate rules or providing a clear regulatory pathway for such services. It also took note of the livelihood concerns of thousands of riders dependent on bike taxis for income and the role of such services in easing urban mobility challenges.

By setting aside the earlier order, the court effectively allowed bike taxi services to function while leaving room for the government to regulate them through proper legislation or guidelines.

Ride-hailing major Uber welcomed the ruling, calling it a recognition of bike taxis as a legal and essential mode of passenger transport in Karnataka.

“We welcome the Hon’ble High Court’s decision to recognise bike taxis as a legal mode of passenger transport in Karnataka,” the company said in a statement. Uber added that bike taxis provide an affordable and efficient mobility option in congested cities and serve as a crucial source of livelihood for lakhs of drivers.

“The decision will also bring relief to lakhs of drivers who depend on bike taxis for their livelihood. We look forward to engaging with the state government on operationalising this mobility ecosystem and serving cities across the spectrum,” the statement said.

The ruling is expected to have a significant impact on urban transport in Karnataka, even as the state government considers its next steps following the detailed judgment.