Upgraded 21 August 2025 at 12:52 IST
After 2 months because a restriction was put on bike taxis in Karnataka, ride-hailing apps Uber and Rapido started running bike taxis in the state from Thursday, August 21, 2025.
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Bike Taxis I Karnataka HC|Image: Representative/File
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After 2 months given that a restriction was put on bike taxis in Karnataka, ride-hailing apps Uber and Rapido started running bike taxis in the state from Thursday, August 21, 2025.
This followed the Karnataka HC criticised the state administration’s restriction on bike taxis, and considering the thinking behind it as both “legally untenable”and “thin”.
Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, who headed the bench, kept in mind that bike taxis are lawfully allowed in a minimum of 13 Indian states and have actually ended up being a crucial part of metropolitan transportation. He stressed that these services are not a high-end however a requirement, especially for budget friendly last-mile connection, based on an ANI report.
Declining the federal government’s claim that the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) forbids bike taxis, the court stated the lack of a regulative structure can not validate a total restriction.
“Lack of regulation is not a valid ground to deprive thousands of their right to work under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution,” Chief Justice Bakhru specified, pointing out an ANI report.
The court directed the Advocate General (AG) to make sure no coercive or punitive action is taken versus bike taxi operators while the matter stays under factor to consider.
The AG notified the bench that the state federal government would deal with the concern of developing a bike taxi policy at the “highest level.”
The bench likewise questioned whether the state had actually made an intentional policy choice to leave out bike taxis, cautioning that any such exemption needs to be supported by sound legal reason.
The case has actually been arranged for the next hearing on September 22.
Responding to the court’s observations, the Bike Taxi Welfare Association invited the advancement, whilst restating its dedication to deal with the administration to make sure safe, legal, and sustainable operations that benefit both motorists and commuters.