Karnataka HC halts bike taxi services, directs govt to frame guidelines

The Karnataka High Court has ordered the suspension of bike taxi services in the state within six weeks, stating that these operations cannot continue without proper government regulations. The ruling, issued on April 2, directs the state government to establish clear guidelines for bike taxis within three months under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

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The decision came in response to a petition filed by taxi aggregators, who sought permission for two-wheelers to be registered as transport vehicles and issued permits under the law. However, the Karnataka government opposed the plea, arguing that bike taxis were illegal since two-wheelers with white number plates are not authorized for commercial use.

Justice B.M. Shyam Prasad ruled that the transport department cannot be forced to register motorcycles as transport vehicles or grant contract carriage permits without a structured regulatory framework. The court referenced a 2019 expert committee report, which assessed the impact of bike taxis on traffic and safety, reinforcing the need for clear regulations before allowing their operation.

Following the ruling, companies such as Rapido, Ola, and Uber, which provide bike taxi services in cities like Bengaluru and Mysuru, must comply and suspend operations. The verdict emphasizes the need for a legal structure to ensure safety and compliance, leaving the future of bike taxis dependent on the state government’s upcoming policy framework.