High court clears path for bike taxi licences in Karnataka

Bengaluru: In a significant boost to app-based mobility services, the Karnataka High Court on Thursday ruled that the state government cannot refuse licences to bike taxi operators if they apply for permission under the existing legal framework.

The court directed the government to consider applications submitted by bike taxi aggregators and grant licences in accordance with law. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi allowed the appeals filed by bike taxi companies, setting aside restrictions imposed earlier.

The bench observed that bike taxis form a part of the public transport ecosystem and cannot be prohibited arbitrarily. “Bike taxi services, when operated within the legal framework, cannot be denied recognition. The government is duty-bound to consider applications and take a decision in accordance with law,” the court noted in its order.

The ruling effectively paves the way for the official resumption of bike taxi services in Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru, where such services had gained popularity due to affordability and last-mile connectivity.

The court’s decision comes despite a High Power Committee (HPC) report submitted to the High Court on November 26, 2025, which had termed bike taxis unsafe and illegal. The committee had argued that permitting bike taxis would violate provisions of the Central Motor Vehicles Act, increase traffic congestion, and pose risks to public safety.

However, the division bench disagreed with the blanket prohibition recommended by the committee and held that policy concerns cannot override statutory rights.

Mobility experts believe the verdict could create thousands of employment opportunities for youth while offering commuters a cost-effective alternative to autos and cabs. “Bike taxis are especially useful in congested urban areas. Regulation, not prohibition, is the solution,” a senior transport analyst said.

Reacting to the verdict, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the government would examine the order before taking further steps. “We will study the judgment copy and discuss it with the transport commissioner. The single judge bench had imposed restrictions, which the division bench has now lifted. We will seek legal opinion and decide the next course of action,” he stated.

The judgment is expected to prompt the state government to frame clear guidelines on bike taxi operations in the coming days.

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