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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.
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Tags: #HC grants reprieve to bike taxis till June 15
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