- The Karnataka High Court revoked the ban on bike taxi services in the state
- A division bench overturned the single-judge order prohibiting bike taxi operations
- Ola, Uber, and other aggregators' appeals against the ban were allowed by the court
The Karnataka High Court on Friday revoked the ban on bike taxi services in the state, setting aside earlier orders that had halted operations of app-based two-wheeler transport.
The single bench order that had prohibited bike taxis was challenged before a division bench. The bench has now allowed the appeal, overturning the previous decision and clearing the way for the resumption of services, subject to conditions that the state may impose.
The division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakru and Justice CM Joshi overturned the single-judge order that had upheld the state government's ban on bike taxis, Bar and Bench reported.
The court allowed the appeals filed by Ola, Uber, and other aggregators.
It stated that bike owners or aggregators must submit an application for permission to use their bikes as transport vehicles, and the government is required to grant approval in accordance with the law.
Mohammad Salim, president of the Namma Bike Taxi Association, said the order marks a significant shift for both riders and the public. "It is very good news that the bike taxi ban has been revoked. People are allowed to use bike taxis, people have transportation options now and I sincerely want to thank the high court that it really understands our pain, our suffering."
He added, "It is happy news for me and for my riders and for the people for having options. hope so the state government will issue the rules and regulations as soon as possible for our riders."
In June 2025, bike taxi operations run by aggregators such as Ola, Uber and Rapido had come to a standstill after the High Court directed an immediate suspension of services. Following the directive, the companies removed bike taxi options from their ride-hailing apps.
At the time, Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy confirmed the development, stating that aggregators were required to comply with the court's ruling.
"Three months ago, the court ruled that bike taxis are illegal. It initially gave six weeks, and then another six weeks on request. Now that 12 weeks have passed, the aggregators must follow the High Court order," Reddy had told PTI.
