Wednesday, Apr 30 2025 | Time 01:30 Hrs(IST)
States » SouthPosted at: Apr 29 2025 8:24PM


HC grants reprieve to bike taxis till June 15

Bengaluru, Apr 29 (UNI) In a relief to bike taxi operators, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday extended till June 15 the deadline for companies such as Rapido, OLA, and Uber to wind up their services in the state, granting a six-week reprieve from its earlier directive issued on April 2.
The Rapido and other bike taxi operators were expected to shut down their bike taxi operations within six weeks of the April 2 order. But by granting an extension till June 15, the Court has given them more time to continue operating while the state government considers framing new rules or a policy for regulating such services.
Justice BM Shyam Prasad, who passed the April 2 order, had stated that bike taxis cannot be operated in the state unless the government introduces a regulatory framework. The earlier six-week deadline was set to lapse in May.
However, in response to petitions filed by the affected operators, including Roppen Transportation Services (which owns Rapido), ANI Technologies (OLA), and Uber, the Court agreed to extend the deadline.
In its application, Roppen submitted that it had made representations to state authorities, urging them to bring out a policy or guidelines to govern bike taxi operations. Meetings have also been held between the company and government officials on this matter.
The application noted that the state government is actively exploring the possibility of framing a comprehensive policy for bike taxis.
"This policy has the potential to enhance last-mile connectivity, reduce traffic congestion and support sustainable urban mobility. The government's proactive approach in this regard could position Karnataka as a leader in modernising transportation systems," Roppen submitted.
Roppen also contended that the April 2 verdict would adversely affect the livelihood of around six lakh bike taxi drivers registered with its platform.
While the Court has not cancelled the earlier shutdown order, it has effectively delayed it. This extra time is helpful for Rapido and others, as it allows their businesses to continue running for now and gives them a window to lobby for a permanent regulatory solution.
Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty represented the Karnataka government. Senior Advocate Arun Kumar appeared for OLA, Senior Advocate Srinivas Raghavan represented Uber, and Advocate Nishant A V argued on behalf of Rapido.
UNI BDN GNK
Tags: #HC grants reprieve to bike taxis till June 15
More News
Death toll in Fireworks factory explosion rises to 4

Death toll in Fireworks factory explosion rises to 4

29 Apr 2025 | 11:11 PM

Virudhunagar (Tamil Nadu), Apr 29 (UNI) The death toll in a massive explosion at a private fireworks factory at village in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu rose to four, after a 55-year-old woman worker succumbed to burn injuries on Tuesday.

see more..

Telangana: Police bust inter-state drug peddling racket, arrest 4

29 Apr 2025 | 10:52 PM

Hyderabad, Apr 29 (UNI) The city police have busted an inter-state drug racked by arresting four people, including two city-based peddlers, police said here on Tuesday.

see more..

Karnataka cabinet postpones caste survey meeting

29 Apr 2025 | 9:07 PM

Bengaluru, Apr 29 (UNI) The Karnataka government has postponed a pivotal Cabinet meeting, initially set for May 2, to discuss caste survey report.

see more..

Newly appointed CS Ramakrishna Rao calls on Telangana Governor

29 Apr 2025 | 8:47 PM

Hyderabad, Apr 29 (UNI) Newly appointed Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao called on Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma at Raj Bhavan here on Tuesday.

see more..

Karnataka HC orders Centre to block Proton Mail

29 Apr 2025 | 8:40 PM

Bengaluru, Apr 29 (UNI) In a development that could have wide ramifications for internet privacy and regulation, the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday directed the Union government to initiate proceedings to block the encrypted email service Proton Mail in India, citing its misuse and the national security threat it allegedly poses.

see more..