The Karnataka High Court has emphasized that it did not authorize ride-aggregator platforms to resume bike-taxi services, a day after such services were spotted back on Bengaluru streets. A division bench led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru underscored that the court has not granted any formal permission.
Also read: Uber, Rapido quietly resume bike taxi services in Bengaluru despite ongoing ban
While observations were made that the state government is empowered to take appropriate legal steps against the platforms if necessary, the court urged enforcement authorities to refrain from taking coercive actions against individual bike-taxi operators or vehicle owners. The clarification followed the sudden reappearance of services on aggregator apps, prompting legal scrutiny.
No interim judicial order currently recognizes the resumed operations
This development adds new uncertainty to the status of bike-taxi operations, which had been halted following a regulatory void and safety concerns. The High Court’s direction aims to protect individual providers from undue pressure while signaling that platforms remain vulnerable to government action unless clear policies are established.
No interim judicial order currently recognizes the resumed operations, placing responsibility on the state to determine the way forward. Meanwhile, commuters and drivers continue to navigate the shifting legal landscape as demand for affordable, last-mile transport persists. The court is expected to revisit the matter at a later date, offering an opportunity for authorities to consider framing comprehensive guidelines to address the contentious issue of bike-taxi regulation.