Ola Challenges Karnataka's Bike Taxi Ban in High Court

Ola's Legal Stand Against the Ban

On Thursday, Ola, the popular cab service, presented its case to the Karnataka High Court, arguing that the state's prohibition on bike taxi operations infringes upon its constitutional right to conduct business as guaranteed by Article 19. This article ensures citizens the freedom to engage in any profession or trade.

The court was addressing appeals from Ola, Uber India, and Rapido, challenging a prior ruling from a single-judge bench on June 13, which upheld the Karnataka government's ban on bike taxis.

Ola's legal representative, Arun Kumar, contended that if the Motor Vehicles Act permits motorcycles to be registered as transport vehicles, the state lacks the authority to impose a ban on bike taxi services.

Similar arguments were echoed by attorneys representing the other ride-sharing companies. The court is set to continue its hearings on this matter on Friday.

Details of the Bike Taxi Ban

Background of the Ban

On April 2, a single-judge bench of the Karnataka High Court mandated that all bike taxi services cease operations within six weeks. This decision was based on a report from an expert committee in 2019 that evaluated the implications of bike taxis on traffic and safety.

The court stated that until the state government establishes regulations to allow bike taxis, their operation remains prohibited in Karnataka.

The deadline for halting bike taxi services was set for May. However, cab aggregators requested an extension, which the High Court granted, allowing Ola and Uber to operate until June 15.

On June 13, the court denied the aggregators' plea for continued interim relief, indicating that it would have considered the request if the state was actively working on regulations. Since the government decided against permitting bike taxis, the court could not issue a favorable order.