Bengaluru: In a key development in the ongoing dispute over bike taxi operations, the Karnataka government has decided to approach the Supreme Court against the recent Karnataka High Court order permitting bike taxis to operate in the state.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy confirmed that the state will seek legal remedy in the apex court after the High Court ruling allowed app-based bike taxi services to function under transport permits.
The government is expected to argue that two-wheelers should not be classified as transport vehicles under the Motor Vehicles Act, and therefore should not be permitted for commercial passenger services. Officials have also cited safety and regulatory concerns, including passenger security risks, especially for women and children users.
The High Court had earlier observed that motorcycles can be registered as transport vehicles and used for contract carriage services, directing authorities to process applications and establish a regulatory framework for operations.
The state had previously imposed restrictions on bike taxis, triggering a prolonged legal conflict involving aggregators, riders, and transport authorities. While the government maintains its stance, bike taxi operators have consistently argued that the service provides affordable last-mile connectivity and helps ease Bengaluru’s traffic congestion.
The issue has also drawn opposition from auto-rickshaw unions and transport groups, who have raised concerns over fare competition and regulatory imbalance.
With the matter now set to reach the Supreme Court, the final outcome is expected to have a major impact on urban transport policy, gig economy employment, and app-based mobility services in Karnataka and potentially other states.
