Taxi Welfare Association Tells Karnataka High Court In Plea Opposing Bike Taxi Ban

Opposing the bike taxi ban imposed in Karnataka, the Bike Taxi Welfare Association told the High Court on Wednesday (June 25) that bike taxis are not a luxury but, a necessity— which help in easing traffic congestion.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice V Kameswar Rao and Justice C M Joshi was hearing the appeals filed by bike taxi aggregators Ola, Uber and Rapido against the single judge’s order.

For context, the single judge had in April ruled that “unless the State Government notifies relevant Guidelines under Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Rules thereunder, the petitioners (Ola, Uber, Rapido) cannot operate as Aggregators offering Bike-Taxi Services“.

The court had further said that the State’s Transport Department cannot be given directions to register Motorcycles as Transport Vehicles or issue Contract Carriage Permits. It had further ordered the State government to ensure that all bike taxi operations cease to operate in six weeks. This date was extended till June 15. Thereby, Bike Taxis were to cease operations from June 16 in the State.

During the hearing today, advocate Shashank Garg appearing for one of the appellant’s–Bike Taxi Welfare Association, referred to E-bike policy and submitted that aim of the policy was to provide connectivity through last mile transport.

Garg pointed that the State had brought E-bike taxi rules in 2021, completely debunking a 2019 expert committee report which recommended that Bike-taxis should not be permitted in Bengaluru and its operation should cease. The rules were however withdrawn by the State in 2024, which he said appeared to be for political reasons.

The court asked if the State’s Transport Authority regulate fares of bike taxis. To this he said, “If they choose to regulate then it can. I am given to understand for Bike it is Rs 8 per km”.

He further argued that bike taxis help in easing traffic congestion, adding that sometimes where cars and ambulances are unable to reach certain areas, bikes are able to reach and provide services.

“Bike taxi is a necessity and not a luxury,” he added.

Meanwhile senior advocate Dayan Chinnappa appearing for two bike owners––Varikruti Mahendra Reddy and Madhu Kiran–argued, “Today we have a scenario where state is saying that contract carriage permit for two wheelers will be done away with. Is it not violation of Article 19 (1) (g)…State cannot refuse the permit to me if the rules permit…Central and State govt cannot act contrary to the law, you cannot violate my right under Article 19 (1) (g)?“

For context, contract carriage permits are issued by state governments which permits a vehicle to be used for transportation under a specific contract, usually for a fixed purpose.

He submitted that even the concerned Aggregator rules permit operation of bike taxi. He said that the State is duty bound to register the bike owners’ vehicle and grant them contract carriage permit. State not granting the permit violates the owners’ rights under Article 19(1)(g), Chinnappa added.

He submitted that bike owners can opt to register themselves on the platform of the aggregators and operate their bike taxi, and State cannot prevent the same.

“State cannot complain that bike taxi is causing difficulties in state of Karnataka. We have traffic in this city because people from all over come here and stay. Population growth is indicator of growing economy,” Chinnappa added.

The matter will now be heard on July 02.

Case title: Uber India Systems Private Limited AND State of Karnataka and batch

Case No: WA 848/2025, WA 863/2025, WA 906/2025, WA 962/2025, WA 948/2025