Bike Taxi Services to Halt in Karnataka from Monday After HC Refuses Stay
Starting Monday, bike taxi services across Karnataka will be suspended following the Karnataka High Court’s decision to not stay a previous single-bench order that had effectively banned their operations. The development deals a major blow to urban commuters and app-based transport aggregators like Rapido and Uber.
What Happened in Court?
A division bench of the Karnataka High Court on Friday refused to stay the earlier judgment which held that the operation of bike taxis is not permissible under current state laws and lacks the regulatory framework required for such services.
This means:
The ban takes effect immediately from Monday.
All app-based bike taxi operations must cease in Karnataka.
Violators may face legal penalties and fines under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Impact on Commuters and Operators
Bike taxis have been an affordable, fast, and popular last-mile transport option—especially in cities like Bengaluru, where traffic congestion is a daily challenge.
With their suspension:
Thousands of daily riders will be affected.
Bike taxi partners (mostly gig workers) will lose a vital source of income.
Traffic congestion and wait times for other modes may increase.
Transport companies have expressed disappointment and are expected to explore legal or policy alternatives in response.
What Comes Next?
The ball is now in the Karnataka government’s court. There have been talks in the past about formalizing bike taxis under specific licensing frameworks, but progress has been slow.
Without legislative changes:
Bike taxis remain in regulatory limbo.
Companies may push for central government intervention or new state-level rules.
FAQ
1. Why are bike taxis being banned in Karnataka?
The Karnataka HC ruled that there’s no legal provision under the current state laws that allows commercial operation of two-wheelers as taxis.
2. When does the ban come into effect?
The ban will be enforced starting Monday (June 17, 2025).
3. Which services are affected?
All app-based bike taxi platforms, including Rapido, Uber Moto, and Ola Bikes, must suspend operations.
4. Can bike taxi drivers still operate privately?
Drivers can still use their bikes for personal transport, but not for paid rides. If caught, they may face fines or vehicle seizure.
5. Is there a possibility the ban will be lifted soon?
Only if the government amends the Motor Vehicles Rules or introduces a new policy to legalize bike taxis. That process may take time.
Publish on june 13,2025 by :selvi
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