The Karnataka High Court has extended the deadline for bike taxi operations till June 15. This offers temporary relief to Rapido, Ola, and Uber amid ongoing policy discussions.
On Tuesday, the Karnataka High Court extended the deadline for bike taxi operators, including Rapido, to stop their services in the state. The new deadline is now June 15. Earlier, on April 2, the Court had given a six-week period for all bike taxi operations to be shut down. The earlier deadline was about to end in May.
The Court had said that bike taxis cannot be allowed to operate unless the Karnataka State government makes changes in its transport policy and brings in new rules or guidelines for bike taxis. The April 2 order was passed by Justice Shyam Prasad.
ALSO READ: Karnataka HC Orders Action Against Rapido Bike Taxi Assaults by Auto Drivers
However, companies like Rapido (Roppen Transportation Services), OLA (ANI Technologies), and Uber requested the Court to give them more time. These companies either currently run or are planning to start bike taxi services in Karnataka.
Rapido’s parent company, Roppen, told the Court in a fresh application filed on Monday that it had already approached different State government departments to discuss the matter. It said that the Karnataka government also held meetings with Roppen to talk about making a new policy for bike taxis.
Roppen informed the Court that the government is now considering creating a detailed and proper policy for bike taxi operations in Karnataka.
In its application, Roppen stated:
“This policy has the potential to enhance last-mile connectivity, reduce traffic congestion and support sustainable urban mobility. The government’s proactive approach in this regard could position Karnataka as a leader in modernising transportation systems.”
Roppen also said that stopping bike taxis as per the April 2 order would badly impact the lives of nearly six lakh people who are currently working as bike taxi riders registered with Rapido. Because of all these reasons, Roppen asked the Court to allow a six-week extension of the earlier deadline.
ALSO READ: Karnataka High Court Bans Rapido, Ola & Uber Bike Taxis: Operations Must Stop in 6 Weeks
The Karnataka State government was represented in the Court by Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty. OLA was represented by Senior Advocate Arun Kumar, Uber by Senior Advocate Srinivas Raghavan, and Rapido by Advocate Nishant AV.
The matter is still under consideration, and the Court’s extension till June 15 gives the State more time to decide whether it wants to formally allow bike taxis and bring new rules for them.
Click Here to Read More Reports on Bike Taxi Case
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
