In a significant development for ride-hailing services in Karnataka, the state’s High Court has granted permission for Ola, Uber, and Rapido to continue their bike taxi operations until June 15. This decision follows an interim plea filed by the companies, seeking an extension for their bike taxi services while the state government works on setting clear regulations.
The order was passed by a single-judge bench led by Justice BM Shyamaprasad, who heard the request from Uber India Systems Private Limited, Roppen Transportation Services Private Limited (Rapido), and ANI Technologies Private Ltd. The court’s decision allows these companies to operate their services for the next several weeks, providing some relief to commuters who rely on bike taxis for affordable transportation in the city.
Previously, on April 2, the Karnataka High Court had ruled that bike taxi services must stop their operations until further notice. This was after the state government was instructed to introduce specific regulations for bike taxis under Section 3 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The court had given a six-week period to the government to create clear and defined rules for the operation of bike taxis in the state.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, who had earlier directed the department to follow the court’s orders, has now been tasked with ensuring that proper guidelines are drafted before the deadline. While the deadline for the new rules is fast approaching, this interim relief gives the companies a temporary window to continue operations while the legal framework is being worked out.
In the meantime, Rapido, one of the key players in the bike taxi market, is taking proactive steps to keep its service active. The company is planning to launch a pilot program for food delivery services as early as next week. This move is aimed at diversifying its offerings and sustaining its presence in the market amid the ongoing legal challenges regarding bike taxi operations.
The high court’s decision to extend the operating period of Ola, Uber, and Rapido comes as a significant relief for riders and service providers alike. The ruling is expected to provide both time and clarity for the state government to finalize the rules that will govern bike taxi services in Karnataka.
With bike taxis being an essential mode of transportation for many people in Bengaluru and other cities, all eyes will be on how the state government addresses the regulatory concerns raised by the court. As June 15 approaches, stakeholders are hopeful that a comprehensive framework for bike taxi operations will be established to ensure that services can continue smoothly and legally in the future.
Sources By Agencies
