Is the Crackdown on Bike Taxis in K’taka Justified After the HC Ban?
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Synopsis
Karnataka's Transport Minister defends the state's move against bike taxis, citing High Court directives. The crackdown raises concerns for over one lakh riders' livelihoods and highlights the ongoing debate about the legality of bike taxi services. Will the government's actions stand amidst growing opposition?
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka Minister defends crackdown on bike taxis.
- High Court deems bike taxi services illegal.
- Over one lakh riders face potential livelihood crisis.
- Authorities initiate enforcement actions following court orders.
- Namma Bike Taxi Association seeks political intervention.
Bengaluru, June 17 (NationPress) Karnataka's Transport Minister, Ramalinga Reddy, has staunchly defended the recent crackdown on bike taxis operating within the state, following a directive from the High Court. He emphasized that these services are disguising themselves as courier and parcel delivery operations, prompting necessary actions.
During a media briefing on Tuesday, Minister Reddy remarked, "The High Court has imposed a ban on bike taxis. We have officially communicated the state government's position to the court. Authorities are acting because these bike taxis are functioning under the guise of providing delivery services."
He noted that the High Court had allocated six weeks to cease bike taxi operations, stating, "This period has lapsed, and our officials are now initiating action accordingly."
In accordance with the High Court's ruling, Karnataka's transport and police departments commenced a crackdown on bike taxi services in Bengaluru and other district headquarters on Monday.
On that day alone, RTO officers in Bengaluru confiscated 103 bike taxis.
Regarding the operation against bike taxis, RTO Additional Commissioner Mallikarjuna stated that the Karnataka High Court has already deemed bike taxi services illegal, unequivocally indicating that no legal provisions exist to support their operation.
"We have commenced enforcement against bike taxis. Two-wheelers with white license plates are prohibited from commercial use. The same applies to white-plate cars," he articulated.
The Transport Department has historically prohibited bike taxi services, citing a lack of legal framework. He cautioned that non-compliance with the High Court's order will result in ongoing enforcement.
Meanwhile, the Namma Bike Taxi Association has reached out to the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging immediate intervention to overturn the ban.
The correspondence highlights a looming livelihood crisis that could affect over one lakh bike taxi operators statewide.
Popular app-based aggregators have already scaled back their operations in Karnataka, limiting activities to parcel deliveries.
This enforcement follows the High Court's decision last Friday, which did not grant a stay on a prior single-judge ruling mandating the cessation of bike taxi services. A division bench, led by Acting Chief Justice V. Kameshwara Rao and Justice Sreenivas Harish Kumar, extended the deadline for halting services to June 15, with further hearings scheduled for June 24.
The original ruling, issued on April 2 by Justice B. Shyam Prasad, asserted that bike taxi aggregators are not permitted to operate in Karnataka unless the state enacts guidelines under Section 3 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and establishes the requisite regulations.
This order was prompted by petitions from several companies seeking additional time to wind down their services.
Point of View
The ongoing crackdown on bike taxis in Karnataka underscores the need for clear regulations in emerging gig economies. While safety and legality are paramount, the potential repercussions on livelihoods cannot be overlooked. Balanced dialogue between authorities and stakeholders is essential to navigate this complex issue.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the crackdown on bike taxis in Karnataka?
The crackdown was initiated due to a High Court ruling that deemed bike taxi services illegal, prompting the state transport department to take action against non-compliance.
How many bike taxis were seized during the crackdown?
On the first day of the enforcement, RTO officers in Bengaluru seized 103 bike taxis.
What are the implications for bike taxi riders?
The ban could potentially threaten the livelihoods of over one lakh bike taxi riders across Karnataka, raising concerns about their future employment.
Are there any legal provisions for bike taxi operations in Karnataka?
Currently, there are no legal provisions that allow the operation of bike taxi services in Karnataka, as highlighted by the High Court ruling.
What actions are being taken by bike taxi associations?
The Namma Bike Taxi Association has reached out to political leaders, seeking intervention to lift the ban and address the livelihood crisis faced by riders.
