Karnataka High Court instructs state government to act

Govt to act against autorickshaw drivers who target Rapido bike taxis

Justice Hemant Chandangoudar, a single-judge bench issued the order

In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court has instructed the state government to take stringent measures against autorickshaw drivers who engage in violent acts, intimidation, or harassment against Rapido bike captains in Bengaluru.

This directive comes in response to a petition filed by the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, which highlighted the unjustified interference faced by bike taxis from certain autorickshaw unions and their members.

Reports of physical assaults and harassment against Rapido bike drivers have raised serious concerns about their safety and security while carrying out their duties.

Also read: Bengaluru: Rapido driver alleges auto driver intentionally collided with bike in Electronic City

However, autorickshaw drivers contend that bike taxis are operating illegally within the city limits, an issue still pending judicial review. They argue that the emergence of bike taxis with their low-cost model has adversely affected the livelihoods of numerous autorickshaw drivers. Some autorickshaw drivers have even resorted to booking Rapido rides as a means to caution bike captains against utilizing the app.

Justice Hemant Chandangoudar, presiding over a single-judge bench, issued the order recently, instructing the state government to promptly address any unlawful obstructions faced by bike taxis. The court emphasized the government’s responsibility in ensuring the safety of bike taxi operators, particularly after a previous directive to refrain from coercive actions against them until further court proceedings.

Furthermore, the court underscored the government’s duty to investigate complaints lodged by bike taxi operators, ensuring transparency, accountability, and timely justice in such matters.