Key Highlights:
Ramalinga Reddy: Bold Enforcement – Karnataka Bike Taxi Ban Ordered Statewide After HC Verdict
Karnataka’s Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has ordered the immediate enforcement of the High Court’s ruling to suspend all bike taxi services across the state, following concerns over legality and licensing. The directive, announced over the weekend, gives the transport department six weeks to comply, signaling a strict move against unregulated ride-hailing platforms.
What the HC Ordered – And Why
The Karnataka High Court, in its April 2 verdict, ruled that bike taxi services cannot operate without explicit regulation under Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. It declared that aggregators offering such services are in violation of the law unless the state government grants them formal approval.
The verdict came after months of protests by auto and cab unions, who alleged unfair competition and regulatory gaps in how bike taxi operators function.
Ramalinga Reddy’s Immediate Action
In response, Ramalinga Reddy instructed the Transport Commissioner to act on the court order without delay, calling it a legal mandate that must be followed in full. He emphasized public safety, clarity in regulation, and legal fairness to all transport service providers.
“This is about upholding the rule of law and ensuring transport services operate transparently,” Reddy said.
Impact on Platforms Like Rapido and Uber
The ruling affects major bike taxi operators such as Rapido, Uber, and Ola, particularly in Bengaluru, where Rapido claims to have over 1.2 lakh active riders. These services will have to halt operations unless the government introduces a regulatory framework allowing them to operate legally.
Many daily commuters using bike taxis for their affordability and convenience are expected to be impacted.
Government Crackdown Underway
Special squads under various Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) have begun identifying and penalizing unauthorized bike taxis. Enforcement has ramped up in hotspots across Bengaluru, where app-based bike taxis are most common.
The government has assured that the crackdown will be fair and thorough, and it is exploring future policy decisions around bike taxi licensing.
What Lies Ahead
With Ramalinga Reddy leading the charge, the next six weeks will be critical for Karnataka’s mobility landscape. The state’s decision on whether to legalize and regulate bike taxis could set a precedent for other Indian states facing similar legal challenges.
While some hail this move as a win for compliance and fairness, others argue it affects thousands of gig workers who depend on these platforms.
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