HC slams government over bike taxi delay
The Karnataka High Court has expressed serious dissatisfaction over the state government’s failure to take timely action on formulating a policy for bike taxis, despite being given a one-month deadline. A division bench, headed by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi, voiced concern while hearing appeals filed by the parent companies of Ola, Uber, and Rapido. The appeals challenge a single-judge bench order that suspended bike taxi operations in the state.
During the hearing, Advocate General Shashikirana Shetty informed the court that the state has imposed restrictions on bike taxis, allowing them only for delivery purposes and not for passenger transport. He added that vehicles used for delivery do not require registration as taxis, and the government has drafted a policy addressing these aspects.
The matter analysis from separate petitions filed by Uber India Systems Private Limited, Roppen Transportation Services Private Limited, and ANI Technologies Private Limited. The companies sought a direction from the state government to permit bike taxis to operate as transport vehicles with yellow registration plates under the Motor Vehicles Act. The single-judge bench had subsequently ordered a suspension of the service, prompting the companies to file appeals before the division bench.
The High Court’s remarks underscore the judiciary’s frustration with administrative delays affecting new mobility services in the state. The court is expected to further examine whether the government’s current restrictions are justified and whether a clear framework can be implemented to regulate bike taxi services for passenger transport while ensuring public safety.
