Archive · 29 Jan 2026
Karnataka HC Lifts Ban on Bike Taxis
The Karnataka High Court has decided that bike taxis are legal and told the state government to give them permits.
This means bike taxis can now operate officially.
The court said this is a valid business and protected by the Constitution.
Around 6 lakh bike taxi riders and companies like Uber and Rapido are happy because they can now work legally.
However, autorickshaw unions are not happy and might challenge this decision in the Supreme Court.
They think bike taxis will cause more traffic and affect their business.
The Karnataka High Court ruled that bike taxis are a legal means of transportation and directed the state government to issue permits for them.
The court recognized the operation of bike taxis as a legitimate profession under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India.
The decision is likely to bring relief to around 6 lakh bike-taxi riders and aggregators who had stopped operations since April 2025.
The state government had previously opposed bike taxis citing safety, congestion, and pollution concerns.
Autorickshaw unions are considering challenging the High Court order in the Supreme Court, claiming it affects their business and increases traffic congestion.
- Who
- Karnataka High Court, Karnataka State Government, Bike Taxi Aggregators (Uber India, Rapido, Ola), Autorickshaw Unions
- What
- Lifting of the ban on bike taxis and directive to issue permits
- When
- January 23, 2025
- Where
- Karnataka, India
- Why
- To recognize bike taxis as a legitimate profession and to resolve a seven-year legal battle
- Court
- Karnataka High Court
- Date of Verdict
- January 23, 2025
- Number of Riders Affected
- 6 lakh
- Permit Type
- Contract Carriage
- Number Plate Color
- Yellow
- State Government's Stance
- Opposed due to safety, congestion, and pollution concerns
- Aggregators Involved
- Uber India, Rapido, Ola
- Legal Basis
- Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India
