Ban on Bike Taxis Violates Right to Trade Under Article 19(1)(g), OLA Tells Karnataka High Court

OLA told the Karnataka High Court that banning bike taxis violates their fundamental right to trade under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution.

Arguing against the state’s ban, OLA said the Motor Vehicles Act (MV Act) allows registration and permits for motorcycles as taxis. The state, they claimed, can’t override this with a policy decision.

They also cited the Central Government policy, which supports bike taxi use. OLA’s counsel said only the Regional Transport Authority can issue or deny permits, not the state.

They argued that such restrictions must be reasonable under the law. The court will now hear the submissions of the state government on the next date of hearing.