Banglore: In a significant relief for commuters and app-based mobility platforms, the Karnataka High Court has paved the way for the return of bike taxi services in the state. A division bench led by the Chief Justice overturned a previous ruling that had supported the state government’s decision to prohibit bike taxis, effectively lifting the ban.
Hearing appeals filed by major ride-hailing companies, including Ola and Uber, the court observed that motorcycles can legally function as transport vehicles if they comply with regulatory requirements. The bench held that there was no absolute legal bar on using two-wheelers for commercial passenger services, provided proper permissions are obtained.
The High Court directed bike owners and aggregator platforms to apply for the necessary licences under the prevailing motor vehicle laws. At the same time, it instructed the state government to process such applications and issue permits in line with existing legal provisions, instead of enforcing a blanket prohibition.
