Karnataka High Court has issued notice to the state government over the suspension of bike taxi services. The government has been asked to file objections as the matter will be heard tomorrow.
Bengaluru: Today, on June 24, in a significant development, the Karnataka High Court has issued notice to the state government in response to a series of petitions filed by Roppena Transport Services Ltd.
(Rapido) and the Bike Taxi Welfare Association. These petitions challenge the ongoing suspension of bike taxi operations across the state.
The division bench, led by Acting Chief Justice V Kameswara Rao and Justice C M Ramana, is currently hearing the appeals filed by major operators like Ola and Uber.
Simultaneously, another bench headed by Justice Joshi is presiding over the related interim applications moved by Rapido and the association representing bike taxi workers.
During the hearing, the petitioners emphasized that motorcycles can be recognized as valid transport vehicles, as seen in several other Indian states where bike taxis legally operate.
The absence of clear regulatory rules in Karnataka, they argued, is the main reason the services have been halted.
Counsel further pointed out that the suspension has forced a heavy reliance on conventional public transport, which is unable to serve all commuters efficiently, especially when it comes to last-mile connectivity.
They contended that bike taxis provide a crucial doorstep service to passengers—something that autos and buses often fail to offer.
The court has admitted the interim petitions and directed the Karnataka government to file its objections.
The matter is now listed for further hearing tomorrow, keeping alive the hope of a resolution for lakhs of riders and commuters dependent on these services.
The counsel emphasized,
“It is on the discretion of the people to choose the way they want to travel.”
In response, the judge posed a significant question:
“Is there an absolute right to get contract carriage?”
The counsel firmly replied,
“Yes milords.”
Further asserting their position, the counsel argued,
“Milords, the statute does not grant the state the authority to regulate or eliminate an entire class of vehicles. The power vested in the state is limited to regulating permits, not exercising absolute discretion to ban a category altogether. I humbly and sincerely request that we be allowed to operate.”
The hearing concluded with the court issuing an order:
“The delay in filing the appeals by Roppenn Transportation Services Ltd. and the Bike Taxi Welfare Association is condoned. Issue notice to the respondents. The case will continue at 2:30 tomorrow.”
The case has gained immense public and legal attention due to its impact on daily commuters and the livelihood of thousands of riders.
Background Of The Case
Recently, a large number of bike taxi riders gathered outside Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru’s seat of power, to protest against the ban on bike taxi services.
ALSO READ: Bengaluru Bike Taxi Riders Detained While Protesting Ban Outside Vidhana Soudha
The ban was enforced following a Karnataka High Court order, which temporarily suspended such operations across the state. Unfortunately, the protest didn’t last long, as police detained the riders for assembling without official permission.
According to the police,
“They sought urgent government intervention to lift the blanket ban and introduce a regulatory framework to govern bike taxi services.”
The authorities also confirmed that a legal case has been registered against the protestors. The protest was considered unlawful as it was conducted in a high-security zone without proper authorization.
an officer said,
“A case has also been registered against them for violating guidelines and attempting to protest in front of Vidhana Soudha without any prior permission,”
The protesting riders shared their deep worry about the consequences of the ongoing ban. Many of them have lost their jobs, and thousands of families are struggling to make ends meet.
The riders made an emotional appeal to the Karnataka government to implement a clear and fair policy that allows them to work legally while ensuring public safety.
“The riders urged the state government to introduce a clear policy that would allow them to resume operations while addressing safety and regulatory concerns,”
the report noted.
The riders emphasized how important bike taxi services are to the overall transport system in Karnataka. They not only offer affordable and quick travel options for the public but also provide jobs to lakhs of people—especially young individuals and daily wage workers.
“They stressed that bike taxis are an important part of Karnataka’s transport ecosystem, providing jobs to thousands. Riders believe that with the right rules in place, bike taxis can continue to benefit everyone.”
The conflict began earlier this year when, on April 2, a single-judge bench of the Karnataka High Court ordered a complete halt to bike taxi operations run by companies like Uber, Ola, and Rapido.
The court said these services cannot continue unless the Karnataka government brings in proper rules under the Motor Vehicles Act.
The companies were given six weeks to follow this order, and later the deadline was extended till June 15.
The companies involved, including Uber India Systems Pvt Ltd, ANI Technologies Pvt Ltd (which operates Ola), and Roppen Transportation Services Pvt Ltd (which operates Rapido), challenged the order.
They approached a division bench of the High Court seeking relief. However, their appeal was turned down.
“Earlier this month, a division bench of the Karnataka High Court refused to stay an earlier single-judge order that suspended bike taxi services in the state. The division bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice V Kameshwar Rao and Justice Sreenivas Harish Kumar, was hearing appeals filed by Uber India Systems Pvt Ltd, ANI Technologies Pvt Ltd (which operates Ola), and Roppen Transportation Services Pvt Ltd (which operates Rapido), among others.”
“The companies had challenged the April 2 ruling that directed them to halt bike taxi services within six weeks. The deadline was later extended till June 15. The single judge had observed that such services cannot operate unless the state government notifies specific rules and guidelines under the Motor Vehicles Act.”
Now, with no stay granted and the government yet to bring in proper rules, lakhs of bike taxi riders remain stuck in legal limbo.
They are urging the authorities to act fast to bring clarity and fairness into the system—one that protects both public safety and employment.
The situation has also sparked larger conversations nationwide about how India should deal with new-age transport solutions like bike taxis.
With no clear framework in place, the risk of legal uncertainty continues to threaten both service providers and riders.
Case Title:
ANI Technologies Private Limited v. State of Karnataka and Others | WA 906/2025
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