Karnataka High Court Questions Blanket Ban on Bike Taxis, Cites Livelihood Concerns

The Karnataka High Court has questioned the State’s blanket ban on bike taxis, observing that a lack of regulation cannot justify depriving thousands of people of their right to work.

A Bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Joshi noted that bike taxis are not a luxury but an affordable mode of last-mile transport for commuters.

The Court was hearing appeals by Ola, Uber, Rapido and bike taxi drivers against the ban.

While the State argued safety and congestion concerns, the Court stressed that 13 other States regulate bike taxis instead of banning them outright.