#JustIn: Karnataka High Court Revokes Bike Taxi Ban
Division bench overturns prohibition, allows resumption with state conditions.
The Karnataka High Court has lifted the ban on bike taxi services across the state, paving the way for aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido to resume operations. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakru and Justice CM Joshi set aside a previous single-judge order from 2025 that had upheld the state government’s prohibition on app-based two-wheeler taxis. This ruling comes as significant relief to commuters in Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka, where bike taxis had been halted since June 2025.
The court’s decision followed appeals by major ride-hailing platforms challenging the earlier directive that suspended bike taxi services pending regulatory framework from the government. The bench allowed these appeals, quashing the ban and directing that bike owners and aggregators must apply for permission to operate their vehicles as transport vehicles. The state government has been instructed to grant approvals in line with existing laws, while retaining the authority to impose necessary conditions for safety, compliance, and regulation.
The original ban stemmed from concerns over the legality and safety of using motorcycles for commercial passenger transport without specific transport vehicle registration. In mid-2025, the Karnataka Transport Minister had emphasized compliance with the court’s initial ruling, leading to the removal of bike taxi options from aggregator apps. The services’ standstill affected thousands of drivers and riders reliant on this affordable, quick mode of urban mobility amid Bengaluru’s notorious traffic congestion.
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By revoking the blanket prohibition, the High Court has shifted the focus to regulated integration rather than outright exclusion. Operators are now required to ensure vehicles meet commercial standards, potentially including yellow number plates or other identifiers. This balanced approach addresses earlier criticisms while enabling the continuation of bike taxis as a vital last-mile connectivity solution.
The judgment is expected to boost employment opportunities for bike owners and improve commuting options for residents. However, the state may introduce guidelines on insurance, driver verification, and operational limits to mitigate risks. Industry observers anticipate a swift resumption of services, bringing welcome convenience back to Karnataka’s roads after months of uncertainty.
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