Key Developments
1. No Formal Green Light Yet from Karnataka High Court
Despite reports of bike taxis operating again in Bengaluru, the Karnataka High Court has officially clarified that it did not issue any order allowing their resumption. The court emphasized that while the government can enforce regulations, it should avoid penalizing individual vehicle owners.The Economic TimesThe Economic Times
2. HC Challenges State’s Blanket Ban
On August 20, 2025, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi took a strong stance against the state government’s blanket ban on bike taxis, calling its justification “thin” and “legally untenable.” The court underscored that bike taxis constitute a legitimate trade, vital for last-mile connectivity, and protected under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution.The Economic Times+1The Economic Times+1MEDIANAMAThe Indian Express
3. Court Gives State One Month to Frame Policy
The bench granted the Karnataka government until September 22, 2025 to deliberate and formulate a structured bike taxi policy. The court stressed that lack of formal rules alone cannot justify a complete ban, particularly when many states have successfully regulated such services.The Economic TimesMEDIANAMAThe Indian Express
4. Bike Taxis Resume Operations – Ambiguity Prevails
Despite the absence of a court-sanctioned order, ride-hailing platforms like Uber, Rapido, and Ola resumed bike taxi services following the HC’s remarks. Commuters quickly started using the service again, highlighting its popularity.The Economic Times+2The Economic Times+2The Times of IndiaThe Economic TimesBusiness Standard
5. Transport Minister Raises Concern
Karnataka’s Transport Minister, Ramalinga Reddy, clarified that the High Court did not formally authorize the resumption of bike taxi services. The government’s directive to suspend bike taxi operations from June 16, 2025 remains in effect, and legal ambiguity around their current operations persists.The Times of India+1
Summary Table
| Date / Event | Key Highlights |
|---|---|
| June 16, 2025 | State government imposes a ban on bike taxis; bikes seized, fines imposed. |
| August 20, 2025 | HC slams ban as unconstitutional; cites trade rights and last-mile need. |
| Hearing on August 20 | HC defers final decision to September 22; asks state to frame policy. |
| August 21–23, 2025 | Aggregators resume services; HC clarifies no formal permission to resume. |
| September 22, 2025 | Date set for next hearing; final orders pending. |
Commentary & Context
- Court’s Stance: The High Court emphasized the constitutionally protected right to earn a livelihood (Art. 19(1)(g)) and questioned the legality of a blanket ban without a formal policy.MEDIANAMAThe Economic TimesThe Indian ExpressThe Economic Times
- Commuter Sentiment: Due to unreliable autos and cabs, bike taxis have become crucial for affordable, efficient last-mile connectivity. Their sudden return underscores the real-world demand.The Times of India+1The Economic Times+1
- Political Voice: Deputy Leader of Opposition Arvind Bellad argued that the ban would devastate the livelihoods of approximately 150,000 riders, including students and migrants, accusing the government of yielding to cab lobby pressure.The Times of India
- Need for Clarity: The court urged the state to avoid punishing individual owners while the petitions remain pending, reinforcing the need for clarity rather than coercive enforcement.The Economic TimesDeccan Herald
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