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Key Points

The Karnataka High Court made it clear that it never authorized bike taxi operations in the state. While the government can take action against aggregator apps, the court emphasized that individual owners should not be harassed. The bench questioned the state's complete ban approach, suggesting regulation might be more appropriate than prohibition. The matter has been adjourned until September 22 for further hearing.

Key Points: Karnataka HC Clarifies No Permission for Bike Taxis State Action Allowed

  • Court clarifies no interim order was issued permitting bike taxi operations in Karnataka
  • Government can take necessary action against aggregator apps resuming services
  • Court directs state to avoid harassing individual bike taxi owners
  • Bench questions complete ban suggests regulation over prohibition
3 min read

Didn't permit bike taxis to operate, govt can take action without harassing individual owners: K'taka HC clarifies

Karnataka High Court clarifies it never permitted bike taxi operations, stating government can take action against aggregators while protecting individual owners from harassment.

"We have given no such orders. If they have started their business, the state can take whatever action is needed - Karnataka High Court Bench"

Bengaluru, Aug 22

The Karnataka High Court on Friday clarified that it has not permitted bike taxi operations in the state, adding the government can initiate action against bike taxis without harassing individual taxi owners. A division bench headed by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi made the observation following submissions by Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty.

Advocate General Shetty informed the Bench that aggregator apps had resumed business and were offering bike taxi services in the state after the High Court adjourned the hearing on a batch of writ appeals filed by aggregators until September 22.

Responding to the Advocate General’s submission that the matter must first be brought to the court’s notice before the state initiates action, the High Court clarified that it had passed no order permitting bike taxi operations.

“We have given no such orders. If they have started their business, the state can take whatever action is needed,” the bench stated.

The bench further clarified that its earlier direction only restrained the government from taking precipitative action against individual taxi owners. It had made no observations with respect to aggregators. The court noted that the state was considering a larger policy and reiterated that individuals should not be harassed.

Advocate Girish Kumar, appearing on behalf of bike taxi drivers, argued that the government could take action against the application but not against bike taxis providing services through it. He objected that bike taxis were being seized. In response, Advocate General Shetty said, “This allegation is not true. We are not arresting them.”

At this stage, the High Court intervened and again directed that individuals should not be harassed. The court, which has asked the government to clarify its stand on bike taxis, granted four weeks’ time and scheduled the next hearing for September 22.

Earlier, the court had questioned the state government’s decision to impose a complete ban on bike taxis instead of regulating them. The bench observed that every trade is permissible unless regulated and that bike taxi service cannot be kept outside the scope of commerce. It reminded the state of its obligation to frame a policy and noted that the court would only examine whether the policy is arbitrary, but would not interfere in policy-making.

Meanwhile, even as aggregators pressed for an interim order allowing them to resume bike taxi services, the court rejected their request. After the bike taxi services were resumed, private transport operators demanded strict action against bike taxi services and urged the government to file a contempt petition. The state government had banned the service on June 16.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good that the court is protecting individual owners from harassment. Many bike taxi drivers are just trying to earn their livelihood. Government should create proper policy instead of creating uncertainty.
A
Arjun K
The aggregator apps are taking advantage of the legal loopholes. They resumed services without proper permission and now putting drivers at risk. Government should take strict action against these companies.
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Sarah B
As someone who uses bike taxis regularly, I hope they find a middle ground. They're affordable and convenient, especially during peak traffic hours. Safety regulations are important but banning isn't the solution.
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Vikram M
The court is absolutely right - every trade is permissible unless regulated. Instead of knee-jerk bans, our government should work on creating proper frameworks. This applies to so many new-age services in India.
M
Michael C
While I understand the need for regulation, the government's approach seems reactive rather than proactive. They've had years to develop policies for ride-sharing services. The delay is affecting both businesses and consumers.

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