The Karnataka High Court has issued a directive to the state government, urging strict action against any individuals or entities obstructing bike taxi operators from carrying out their services unlawfully.
The court order, dated March 28th, mandates the State of Karnataka to take appropriate measures against any interference faced by bike taxi operators, as stated in the disposed Writ Petition.
Represented by Senior Counsel Sri.K.N. Phanindra, the Bike Taxi Welfare Association filed the Writ petition under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India, seeking relief from unlawful interference in their operations.
The order, passed by Justice Hemant Chandangoudar, comes after the association highlighted issues such as harassment, violence, and obstruction faced by bike taxi riders from certain auto unions and their members in Bangalore city.
The directive underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all riders within the transportation landscape, according to the association.
The respondents in the case include the State of Karnataka, Transport Department, Meta Platforms, Facebook India Online Services, and others.
This development follows earlier orders by the Karnataka High Court directing transport authorities not to take coercive action against bike taxi services. Despite previous directives, police authorities failed to act against those unlawfully obstructing bike taxi operations, noted the court.
The bike-taxi operation has faced scrutiny due to safety concerns and the transition to electric vehicles. In July 2021, the BJP-led state government introduced the Electric Bike Taxi Scheme to enhance first and last-mile connectivity and create job opportunities. However, protests by auto-rickshaw unions led to the withdrawal of the scheme by the Karnataka government.
