Driver Unions Demand Supreme Court Challenge to Bike Taxi Ruling
In a significant development in Mangaluru, three prominent organizations—the Indian Vehicles Driver Trade Union, Sneha Jeevi Drivers' Trade Union, and the Towner Foundation—have jointly called upon the Union government to challenge a recent high court order that lifted the ban on bike taxis. The groups are urging the government to file a special leave petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court to address what they describe as a critical public safety and regulatory issue.
Safety Concerns and Accident Statistics Highlighted
Speaking to reporters on Friday, N G Santhosh Kumar, president of Sneha Jeevi Drivers' Trade Union, emphasized the serious safety risks posed by bike taxis to passengers. He alleged that bike taxi-related accidents account for a staggering 98% of road mishaps, a figure he described as a major concern for public safety and enforcement. Kumar's statement underscores the unions' argument that two-wheelers are inherently more prone to crashes, and permitting bike taxis could likely raise the overall rate of road accidents in the region.
Legal and Regulatory Arguments Against Bike Taxis
The organizations have launched a campaign to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opposing the high court decision which they claim favors unauthorized bike taxi operations. They argue that the Motor Vehicles Act-1988 does not provide clear and direct permission for "bike taxis," and that using two-wheelers for commercial passenger transport without adequate safety measures significantly increases the risk of injuries and fatalities. Citing accident trends, the coalition pointed to apex court observations in earlier cases, noting that holding a licence is not a fundamental right and that state governments have broad authority to regulate transport in the public interest.
Impact on Livelihoods and Licensed Drivers
The groups warned that allowing "unauthorized" bike taxis would undermine licensed auto and taxi drivers who comply with permit rules and pay taxes. They stated that this move could severely affect livelihoods across the sector, claiming that approximately 25 lakh driver families in the state could face financial distress if bike taxis are allowed to operate without strict regulation. This highlights the economic implications of the high court's decision, as the unions fear a loss of income and job security for those in the traditional transport industry.
Call for Government Intervention
The unions and the foundation have demanded immediate intervention by the Union government, insisting that the matter be taken to the Supreme Court to restore restrictions on unauthorized bike taxi services. They stress the need for a legal review to ensure public safety and protect the interests of licensed drivers, urging swift action to prevent potential harm and economic disruption.
