Karnataka High Court Allows Action Against Uber, Ola, Rapido, Not Individual Drivers

Updated: Saturday, August 23, 2025, 13:38 [IST]

The Karnataka High Court clarified that individual bike taxi owners and drivers should not face coercive actions. This clarification came after the State Advocate-General, Shashi Kiran Shetty, was reminded of the court's earlier instruction. The court had previously asked authorities to refrain from taking harsh measures against these individuals.

During a session, Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi addressed concerns raised by the Advocate-General. Aggregators like Uber, Ola, and Rapido were reportedly offering bike taxis on their platforms without court permission. The bench advised that legal action could be taken against these aggregators.

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The Karnataka High Court clarified that individual bike taxi owners and drivers shouldn't face coercive actions, stemming from a previous order concerning aggregators like Uber, Ola, and Rapido, who were offering services without permission; appeals against a bike taxi ban initiated on April 2 are ongoing, including hearings set for September 22.

Bike Taxi Ban and Legal Proceedings

Bike taxi services were halted on June 16 following a High Court decision on April 2. This ruling supported the State government's ban on bike taxis, requiring aggregators to stop offering such services by June 15. The decision was based on the absence of guidelines under Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

The Bike Taxi Welfare Association (BTWA) and some individual owners challenged this ruling. They appealed to a Division Bench, arguing against the single judge's order. The appeals are now in their final stages of hearing.

Aggregators' Offer and Court's Response

In response to the court's clarification, aggregators proposed allowing bike taxi owners to use their platforms for free until a final decision is made. However, the bench declined this offer, stating it would be inappropriate to issue an interim order at this stage.

An advocate for BTWA highlighted ongoing issues with transport authorities seizing bikes despite court instructions. The bench suggested issuing a written order to prevent harassment of bike taxi owners or drivers. Mr. Shetty promised to guide authorities accordingly.

The hearing on these appeals will continue on September 22 after being adjourned on August 22. The Advocate-General mentioned that high-level government discussions are underway regarding the issues raised in these appeals.