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Karnataka High Court Lifts Bike Taxi Ban, Paves Way for Licensed Operations

The Karnataka High Court has lifted the state's ban on bike taxi services, overturning a previous order that upheld the prohibition. The division bench ruled that motorcycles can be used as transport vehicles, provided operators secure the necessary licenses from the government. The decision brings relief to thousands of gig workers whose livelihoods were impacted after services were halted in June. The ban had sparked protests and appeals from rider associations, who had petitioned political leaders for intervention.

Key Points: Karnataka HC Lifts Bike Taxi Ban, Allows Ola & Uber Services

  • Court sets aside single-judge order
  • Allows bikes as transport vehicles
  • Operators must obtain licenses
  • Relief for thousands of riders
  • Follows protests over lost livelihoods
2 min read

Karnataka High Court lifts ban on bike taxis, allows operations subject to licensing

Karnataka High Court overturns ban on bike taxis, allowing Ola and Uber to operate subject to licensing, providing relief to gig workers.

"Over 1,00,000 gig workers... are losing their right to earn - Namma Bike Taxi Association"

Bengaluru, January 23

The Karnataka High Court on Friday lifted the ban on bike taxi services in the State, setting aside an earlier single-judge order that had upheld the state government's prohibition on their operations.

A division bench headed by the Chief Justice allowed appeals filed by app-based aggregators, including Ola and Uber, ruling that motorcycles can be used as transport vehicles, subject to permissions under existing laws. The court directed that bike owners or aggregators must apply for the required licences, and the state government is obligated to issue permits in accordance with prevailing legal provisions.

The ruling brings relief to thousands of bike taxi riders who had been affected after services were halted following the High Court's refusal earlier in June to stay the government's ban. The prohibition had triggered widespread protests from gig workers, who argued that the move had severely impacted their livelihoods.

The Namma Bike Taxi Association, which represents bike taxi riders across Karnataka, had repeatedly urged the government to reconsider the ban. In June, the association wrote to Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, seeking his intervention to protect the livelihoods of lakhs of gig workers in the state.

"Over 1,00,000 gig workers in Bengaluru and across Karnataka are losing their right to earn and feed their families because of a blanket ban on bike taxi services," the association said in its letter, describing the ban as a threat to the dignity and survival of riders dependent on the sector for daily income.

Following the crackdown, a delegation of around 110 bike taxi riders from the association met Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao and Dasarahalli MLA S Muniraju in June 2025, urging the government to reverse its decision. The riders submitted a petition demanding legal recognition for bike taxis and a clear policy framework to end what they described as harassment and regulatory confusion.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good news for the riders. So many young people depend on this for their income. But the court is right - proper licensing and insurance are must. Safety cannot be compromised. Hope the RTO makes the process smooth and not another bureaucratic hurdle.
A
Aman W
Finally some relief. The ban was affecting my commute cost drastically. Autos charge whatever they want. Bike taxis are a game-changer for middle-class people. Hope they start operations again soon.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the economic aspect, I have safety concerns, especially for women passengers late at night. The licensing must include strict background checks for drivers, GPS tracking, and an easy panic button system. The policy framework needs to prioritize passenger safety.
V
Vikram M
The government's approach was reactive, not proactive. Instead of understanding a new mobility solution and regulating it, they just banned it. This created unnecessary hardship. Kudos to the High Court for a balanced verdict - it allows operation but under a regulated framework. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
As a bike taxi rider myself, this news has brought tears to my eyes. Our families suffered for months. Thank you to the association and the lawyers who fought for us. Now we just need the government to issue permits quickly without any "speed money" demands.

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