**Karnataka High Court Urges Government to Develop Bike-Taxi Policy**
The Karnataka High Court has granted the state government a month to formulate a bike-taxi policy, emphasizing the critical nature of the issue, stating that “lives are at stake.” This directive came from a division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C M Joshi, during the hearing of appeals from ride-hailing companies Ola, Uber, and Rapido. These companies challenged a previous ruling by a single judge that prohibited bike-taxi operations across the state.
During the proceedings, the bench questioned the rationale behind the blanket ban on bike taxis instead of opting for regulation. They highlighted that even e-bikes are currently not permitted, effectively banning a legitimate trade. The judges remarked, “As long as you are permitting a service, you can regulate it. The question is whether regulation would entail complete prohibition?” They further noted that all trades are permissible unless specifically regulated, referencing Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to engage in legitimate trade under reasonable restrictions.
Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty defended the ban, citing safety concerns and traffic congestion, particularly in Bengaluru. He argued that without established rules and regulations, companies could not assert a right to operate. However, the court challenged whether the ban on bike taxis was consistent with the government’s goal of enhancing last-mile connectivity. The bench inquired, “Is there material to show that this bike is causing congestion? Is it your belief that auto rickshaws will cause less congestion?”
The state informed the court that approximately six lakh bike taxis are currently operating in Karnataka. In response, the bench directed the government to reassess the situation at the policy level. They stated, “We don’t have to be satisfied with the policy; we only need to determine if the policy is arbitrary or malafide. We will not interfere in policy; that’s the scope.”
The Advocate General assured the court that the government would make a “conscious decision” regarding the matter at the highest level, although he clarified that the immediate framing of guidelines for bike taxis was not on the agenda. The High Court has postponed the hearing to September 22, indicating that “serious thought will be given to the issues raised.”
**FAQ**
**Q: What is the current status of bike-taxi operations in Karnataka?**
A: The Karnataka High Court has temporarily halted bike-taxi operations, urging the state government to develop a regulatory policy within a month.