Bike Taxis Return to Bengaluru Roads Following High Court Ruling
In a significant development for urban mobility, bike taxis are officially back on the roads of Bengaluru. The Karnataka High Court has delivered a landmark judgment that overturns previous restrictions, paving the way for legal operation of these convenient transport services across the state.
Division Bench Overrules Single Bench Order
A division bench of the Karnataka High Court has set aside the April 2025 order from a single bench that had effectively banned bike taxi operations. This reversal marks a crucial legal victory for transportation aggregators and commuters who rely on these affordable mobility options.
Legal Pathway for Vehicle Registration
The court has directed the state government to consider applications from bike owners seeking registration as transport vehicles. This important clarification ensures that motorcycles can legally operate as contract carriages under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and related regulations.
Permits Must Be Granted to Applicants
Transport authorities have been instructed to grant permits for bike taxis, though they retain the right to impose necessary conditions for safety and regulation. The court emphasized that applications cannot be denied solely based on vehicle type, providing a fair framework for legal operation.
Regional Transport Authority Oversight
The regional transport authority will maintain oversight by attaching appropriate conditions to permits. All applications for registration and licenses must now be examined fairly and in accordance with established legal norms, ensuring proper regulatory compliance.
Processing of Pending and New Applications
The court clarified that pending applications from aggregators should be processed promptly, while also allowing new applications to be filed. All submissions must follow the legal norms and observations outlined in the court's comprehensive order.
Aggregators Successfully Challenge Previous Ruling
Major transportation companies including Uber, ANI Technologies, and Roppen Transportation had challenged the April 2025 single bench order. That earlier ruling had restricted bike taxi operations while awaiting new guidelines from the state government, creating uncertainty for the industry.
Safety Concerns Addressed in New Framework
The single bench had previously cited a 2019 expert committee report highlighting traffic and safety concerns, restricting services until formal guidelines were issued. The new ruling addresses these concerns while allowing operations to proceed under regulatory oversight.
State Policy on Gig Workers Considered
During proceedings, the state government argued that existing gig worker policies already cover bike taxi operations, suggesting no separate policy framework was necessary. The court considered this perspective while ultimately allowing the services to operate legally.
Legal Clarity for Urban Mobility Solutions
This comprehensive court order provides clear legal backing for bike taxis, enabling aggregators to expand their services with confidence. The decision carefully balances transport flexibility, safety oversight, and regulatory compliance under the Motor Vehicles Act, marking a progressive step for Bengaluru's evolving transportation ecosystem.
