Karnataka’s Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has directed department officials to enforce the High Court’s order to suspend bike taxi operations in the state, according to an Indian Express report. Reddy sent a letter to Transport Commissioner Yogesh A M and the Principal Secretary, urging prompt action. Officials have stated that enforcement measures will begin after the six-week period ends on May 14.
This development comes after the High Court’s April 2 ruling, giving bike taxi aggregators like Rapido, Ola, and Uber six weeks to halt their services in Karnataka. The HC was responding to petitions from these companies seeking formal recognition under the Motor Vehicles Act.
During the hearing, Justice B Shyam Prasad asked the state government to create specific rules and guidelines for regulating bike taxis. The Court noted that, although the Motor Vehicles Act permits two-wheeler registration, the lack of specific regulations makes bike taxi operations illegal.
Public dissatisfaction over illegal bike taxi operations has grown, with driver and auto-rickshaw unions staging protests, leading the transport department to launch special enforcement drives. The demand for a regulatory framework also emphasizes women’s safety concerns.
Previously, Karnataka had launched an e-bike scheme in 2021 to boost first- and last-mile connectivity, but it was later scrapped following protests over misuse. Meanwhile, the Bike Taxi Welfare Association filed a petition highlighting clashes between auto drivers and bike taxi operators. Interestingly, the HC had earlier asked the government to protect bike taxi operations during those proceedings.
While Karnataka grapples with these regulatory challenges, Maharashtra recently approved bike taxi operations, moving in the opposite direction.
