Bombay High Court Refuses to Entertain PIL by Auto Drivers Against Rapido Bike Taxis

The Bombay High Court dismissed a PIL filed by four auto-rickshaw drivers challenging Rapido’s bike taxi operations in Maharashtra, alleging they used non-transport number plates and affected their livelihood.

The Court held that their right to livelihood wasn’t violated and noted the issue is already under consideration by the Supreme Court, which is examining the broader legal framework around bike taxi aggregators.  However, the petitioners were allowed to approach the State with a representation.

The rules formalise electric bike-taxi operations across the State and require aggregator companies to obtain a valid license before offering services. According to RTO officials, several companies, including Rapido and Uber, have already applied for the necessary licences.

[Amarjeet Rajnath Gupta v. State of Maharashtra]