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Key Points

The Karnataka High Court refused to pause the suspension of bike taxi services despite appeals from Ola and Uber. A division bench questioned the state's delay in framing regulations while directing both parties to submit arguments by June 20. This upholds the earlier single-judge order that initially gave operators six weeks to cease operations. The case now moves to June 24 as Bengaluru's ride-hailing services face uncertainty.

Key Points: Karnataka HC Refuses Stay on Bike Taxi Ban as Ola Uber Appeal

  • Two-judge bench questions delay in bike taxi rule formulation
  • Ola Uber seek extension amid transport dept pushback
  • Court adjourns hearing to June 24 for merit submissions
  • Original April 2 order gave six-week deadline for service halt
2 min read

Karnataka HC refuses to stay single-judge bench order suspending services of bike, taxis from June 16

Karnataka High Court declines interim relief for Ola and Uber bike taxis, upholds June 16 suspension as transport rules remain unresolved.

"A stay order is not possible since new bike taxi rules have not been formulated - Karnataka HC Bench"

Bengaluru, June 14

The Karnataka High Court on Friday refused to stay a single-judge bench's order suspending bike and taxi services in the state from June 16.

The appeal filed challenging the order issued by the single-judge bench to cancel bike taxis was heard by a two-judge bench of Acting Chief Justice Kameswar Rao and Justice Sreenivas Harish Kumar.

The division bench of Acting Chief Justice Kameswar Rao and Justice Sreenivas Harish Kumar directed the petitioners - Ola and Uber - and the respondent (transport department) to file their submissions on merit by June 20, while the matter was adjourned to June 24.

Senior advocate Dhyan Chinnappa, representing the petitioner, requested permission to use the bike taxi service until the next hearing.

The two-judge bench questioned the government about the time it takes to formulate bike taxi rules and said that a stay order is not possible since new rules have not been formulated.

The court has adjourned the hearing for 10 days. In its order dated April 2, the court had ordered that all bike taxi services be stopped within six weeks.

The six-week deadline to suspend bike operations was to expire in May. However, bike taxi operators, including Rapido, Ola, and Uber, approached the court seeking an extension.

The judge, who considered the request, finally extended the deadline to cease bike taxi operations to June 15.

ANI Technologies (owned by Ola) had filed an appeal in the court on June 11, and Uber on June 2, challenging the April 2 verdict.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul P.
This is really disappointing for daily commuters in Bengaluru. Bike taxis were a blessing in our traffic-choked city. Government should have framed proper rules long back instead of banning services abruptly. Many people depend on these for affordable last-mile connectivity.
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Priya M.
Safety was always a concern with bike taxis. Without proper helmets and regulations, it was an accident waiting to happen. The court is right to insist on proper rules first. Hope they come up with good safety standards soon 🤞
A
Arjun K.
Typical government delays! First they allow services to operate for years, then suddenly ban them without alternatives. Auto drivers must be celebrating - they'll go back to charging whatever they want now. #BengaluruTransportFail
S
Sunita R.
As someone who used bike taxis daily for office commute, this is a huge setback. Metro doesn't cover all areas and autos are too expensive. Government should have given more time for transition. Feeling very frustrated today 😤
V
Vikram J.
The bigger issue is our transport infrastructure can't handle population growth. Instead of banning, we need comprehensive solutions. Bike taxis filled an important gap. Hope the new rules come soon with proper safety measures.
N
Neha S.
Many young people earned through bike taxi services. What about their livelihoods? Government should think about both safety AND employment generation. This sudden decision affects thousands of families.

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