Karnataka HC clears way for bike taxis, urges state to register 2-wheelers as transport vehicles
A division bench directs state to register two-wheelers as transport vehicles, offering relief to 600,000 riders and families dependent on bike taxi livelihoods
In a significant development in Karnataka government’s ongoing battle with bike taxis, the high court on Friday (January 23) has directed the state to permit bike taxis, urging them to register two-wheelers as transport vehicles.
The high court in an order directed the state government to process applications from taxi aggregators such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido for registering two-wheelers as transport vehicles and permitting them to operate as contract carriages.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Joshi set aside an earlier single judge’s ruling that barred bike taxis until guidelines under Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act were issued. The bench clarified that Regional Transport Officials may impose conditions under Section 74 (2) of the Act but cannot deny registration solely on the ground that two-wheelers are not transport vehicles.
Also read: Bike taxis back on roads in Karnataka after HC ruling
The appeals were filed by the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, aggregators, and individual bike owners, who argued that the refusal to register two-wheelers threatened the livelihoods of nearly 600,000 families across Karnataka. Many riders had invested savings or taken loans to purchase bikes amid limited job opportunities.
The counsel for the Association contended that the government’s stance violated fundamental rights, stressing that instead of depriving drivers of work, authorities should address any law-and-order concerns through regulatory measures.
Uber welcomed the high court's decision and said it was looking forward to engaging with the Karnataka government.
“We welcome the Hon’ble High Court’s decision to recognise bike taxis as a legal mode of passenger transport in Karnataka. Bike taxis serve as a vital mobility lifeline for Indian cities, offering people an affordable and convenient way to navigate traffic. The decision will also bring relief to lakhs of drivers who depend on it for their livelihood. We look forward to engaging with the State Government on operationalising this mobility ecosystem and serving the mobility needs of our cities across the spectrum,” a Uber spokesperson said in a statement