Karnataka HC pulls up state govt for failing to frame policy, warns of staying bike taxi ban

Bike Taxi

The Karnataka High Court on September 25 pulled up the state government and warned it would stay the ban on bike taxis, as it had failed to comply with its four-week deadline to come with a policy regulating the segment.

A division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C M Joshi said, “We are inclined to grant a full stay. We gave the government one month to frame a policy, but nothing was done, and instead (you) brought the Gig Workers Act”.

Advocate general Shashi Kiran Shetty alleged that bike aggregators were violating court directions by continuing to operate. The state had introduced the Gig Workers Act, which permits two-wheelers to be used for delivery purposes without requiring registration. “Ola and Uber are included, and riders’ interests protected, yet petitioners continue violating court orders,” Shetty said.

Also read: Karnataka High Court: No order permitting bike taxis, state free to act

In an earlier hearing, the court had asked the government to frame a policy for bike taxis. The state assured the court that it would take a "conscious decision" on the issue.

The bench noted no stay was granted, saying, “We had clarified you can take action,” responding to AG’s contempt claim.

Riders’ livelihood

Also, read: Karnataka bike taxi ban nears June 15 deadline; transport dept to implement HC order

Appearing for a group of bike taxi owner, senior advocate Dhyan Chinnappa said riders have no stands to park bikes and stopping "free services" from Uber/Ola would cost them their livelihood. Rapido and Ola resumed operations in August, claiming to facilitate bike taxi services without profit.

Rapido, Uber, Ola, and others have challenged a single-bench order which in April barred bike taxis till the government framed rules under the Motor Vehicles Act.

The court will next hear the case on October 15.

Also read: Karnataka bike taxi ban: 'Give it a serious thought, there are lives at stake,' HC tells govt