Karnataka High Court’s Bike Taxi Ban Challenged: Aggregators Argue ‘They Are a Necessity’
Background: Blanket Ban on Bike Taxis Sparks Legal and Public Pushback
The Karnataka High Court’s decision to ban bike taxi services has come under legal challenge from leading ride-hailing platforms (Ola, Uber, Rapido) and the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, who argue that such services are crucial for urban mobility, last-mile connectivity, and easing congestion in cities like Bengaluru.
Court Proceedings and Arguments
- The case is being heard by a division bench of Acting Chief Justice V Kameswar Rao and Justice C M Joshi.
- Advocate Shashank Garg, representing the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, stated that bike taxis are “a necessity, not a luxury”, providing a critical solution for traffic and last-mile challenges.
- The Karnataka 2021 E-Bike Taxi Policy was referenced, highlighting that the state had previously supported such services, and the current ban is being described as “politically motivated.”
Impact on Drivers and Public
- The ban has directly impacted over 1.5 lakh drivers in Karnataka, according to the Namma Bike Taxi Association.
- Drivers recently protested outside the Vidhana Soudha and have written open letters to key political leaders, including CM Siddaramaiah, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and MP Rahul Gandhi.
- Allegations have also surfaced regarding harassment by auto unions and restrictions on protests at Freedom Park.
Recent Timeline of Events
- April 2025: Karnataka High Court bans bike taxi operations.
- June 15, 2025: Platforms like Rapido, Ola, and Uber were ordered to halt bike taxi services.
- June 16, 2025: Aggregators comply and suspend operations in the state.
- The controversy began when the previous government withdrew the electric bike taxi scheme, citing concerns over vehicle documentation, confrontations with auto drivers, and women’s safety.
The Road Ahead
- Petitioners are urging the court to lift the ban and introduce a regulatory framework rather than a blanket prohibition.
- The ongoing case will determine the future of bike taxi operations in Karnataka—a sector viewed as vital for urban mobility, especially in densely populated cities.
