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Key Points

The Karnataka High Court has delivered a significant blow to bike taxi services operated by Ola, Uber, and Rapido. Justice B.M. Shyam Prasad's ruling requires these companies to suspend their operations within six weeks. The court emphasized that these services cannot function without proper guidelines under the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988. The decision underscores the legal challenges facing tech-driven transportation services in India.

Key Points: Karnataka HC Blocks Ola Uber Rapido Bike Taxi Operations

  • Karnataka HC dismisses bike taxi service petitions from Ola, Uber, Rapido
  • Court mandates state government suspend operations in six weeks
  • Bike taxis deemed illegal under current motor vehicle regulations
  • Operators must obtain specific permissions under Section 93
2 min read

Karnataka HC directs suspension of Bike taxis in 6 weeks, rejects Ola, Uber, Rapido requests

Karnataka High Court orders suspension of bike taxi services by Ola, Uber, and Rapido within six weeks, citing regulatory concerns.

"Applicants cannot act as collectors of bike taxi services - Karnataka High Court Justice B.M. Shyam Prasad"

Karnataka, April 2

The High Court of Karnataka has issued a strict directive to the state government to take necessary steps to suspend bike taxis within the next six weeks.

Uber India Systems Pvt Ltd, ani Technologies Pvt Ltd and others have applied for directions to the state government to consider the applications filed in 2022 for converting two-wheelers into transport vehicles.

All these applications have been filed by High Court Justice B.M. Shyam Prasad, who has dismissed them and issued a strict notice to Ola, Uber, and Rapido to halt the operations of their bike taxis.

The High Court ruled that the state government could not issue permission in this regard.

During the hearing of the petitions, the court noted that Ola, Uber, and Rapido were managing bike taxis based on an interim order issued by the court. It was allowed to work for six weeks and was said to be banned six weeks later.

The court also said that the state government should ensure this. Applicants cannot act as collectors of bike taxi services unless the state government provides the relevant guidelines under Section 93 of the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 and the rules governing it, and a two-wheeler is registered with white number plates by the Karnataka Motor Vehicle Rules.

The state government has argued that bike taxis are illegal because they cannot operate as commercial vehicles. Considering this, the court has ordered that it is not possible.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is really disappointing news for daily commuters like me. Bike taxis were so convenient for last-mile connectivity. Hope the government comes up with proper regulations soon! �
P
Priya M.
While I understand safety concerns, this decision will affect thousands of bike taxi drivers' livelihoods. The government should have given them more time to comply with regulations.
S
Sanjay T.
Good decision! These bike taxis were operating in a grey area for too long. Proper regulations need to be in place for passenger safety and fair competition with auto rickshaws.
A
Ananya R.
I respectfully disagree with the court's decision. Bike taxis were solving real transportation problems in Bangalore's traffic. Now we're back to expensive cabs or crowded buses 😕
V
Vikram J.
The companies should have been more proactive in getting proper approvals instead of relying on interim orders. This was bound to happen eventually.
N
Neha P.
While I support regulation, the 6-week timeline seems too abrupt. Many people depended on these services daily. Hope alternative solutions emerge quickly!

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