Rapido and Uber have resumed their bike taxi services in Karnataka after a two-month hiatus. The Karnataka government had banned these services starting June 16, citing legal and safety concerns, including the Motor Vehicles Act. The recent resumption follows intervention from the Karnataka High Court, which questioned the basis of the ban and urged policy development rather than prohibition.
What Sparked the Return?
- High Court Ruling: A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi called the state’s ban “arbitrary, unreasonable, and unconstitutional,” stating bike taxis are a legitimate business regulated legally in other states. While the court gave the government a month to draft a comprehensive regulatory policy, it did not issue a formal order allowing services to resume.
- Policy Vacuum vs. Ban: The bench emphasized that absence of regulation doesn’t justify a total ban, highlighting that riders’ livelihoods and last-mile connectivity are at stake.
Current Legal Ambiguity
- Government on Edge: Karnataka’s Transport Minister, Ramalinga Reddy, stated that while the court directed policy framing, it didn’t explicitly greenlight resumption. Authorities intend to defer enforcement decisions until further discussions with the transport department.
- Industry Backlash: The Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Association labeled the resumption a “contempt of court,” arguing that the single-judge ban is still operational and that aggregators resumed services without judicial permission.The Indian Express
Impact on Commuters & Urban Mobility
- Essential Connectivity Restored: Bike taxis serve as a cost-effective and nimble option for commuters navigating Bengaluru’s traffic-heavy routes and busy transit hubs. Their return offers much-needed relief, especially during peak hours.
- Public Sentiment: Commuters welcomed the return, with social media buzzing about reduced fares and improved mobility. However, auto-rickshaw unions remain opposed, adding to the debate around equitable regulation.
What’s Next?
- The next court hearing is scheduled for September 22, where the state must either present a draft bike taxi policy or face further judicial scrutiny.
- The court has stressed that any policy must balance safety, legality, and public utility, avoiding knee-jerk bans.
Final Thoughts
The reinstatement of bike taxi services by Rapido and Uber in Karnataka marks a critical juncture in urban mobility policy. The High Court’s criticism of the ban—and call for structured regulation—highlights the increasing need to formalize alternate transit modes. As Karnataka navigates the legal limbo, the resumption underscores the importance of balancing transport innovation with regulatory safeguards.