In a major relief to commuters and app-based transport operators, 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 two-wheeler taxi platforms.
Division bench overturns earlier ban
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakru and Justice C M Joshi allowed appeals filed by ride-hailing aggregators, overturning the earlier single-judge order that had upheld the state government’s decision to prohibit bike taxis.
The court ruled that the previous order restraining bike taxi operations could not be sustained and permitted services to resume, subject to compliance with conditions laid down under existing transport laws.
Conditions laid down for operators
While allowing the appeals, the High Court clarified that bike owners or aggregators must submit applications seeking permission to use two-wheelers as transport vehicles. The state government, in turn, has been directed to process and grant such approvals in accordance with law.
The ruling effectively restores the possibility of legal bike taxi operations, provided regulatory norms are met.
Background to the ban
Bike taxi services operated by aggregators such as Ola, Uber and Rapido were suspended in June 2025 after the High Court directed an immediate halt, following concerns over the absence of a clear regulatory framework.
After the court’s directive, aggregators removed bike taxi options from their mobile applications. At the time, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy stated that companies were bound to comply with the judicial order after the expiry of the grace period granted by the court.
Relief for commuters and riders
The latest ruling is expected to bring relief to thousands of riders and commuters who depend on bike taxis for affordable and last-mile connectivity, particularly in urban centres.
Further clarity is now awaited from the state government on the framework and conditions under which bike taxi services will resume across Karnataka.