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‘Necessity, Not Luxury’ Becomes Rallying Cry In Karnataka’s Bike Taxi Ban Battle

The petitioners, including the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, argued that bike taxis are a ‘necessity, not a luxury.’ Since the ban, public frustration has been soaring. Many commuters have also reported auto fare hikes of up to 25%, cancelled rides and lack of availability during peak hours. 

by Mahi Adlakha
‘Necessity, Not Luxury’ Becomes Rallying Cry In Karnataka’s Bike Taxi Ban Battle

Bengaluru isn’t breathing easy any more. Not because of the smog, but because the city’s zippiest ride has vanished from the roads. In a move that stirred controversy and impacted thousands of livelihoods, the Karnataka High Court’s April 2 ruling banned bike taxi services across the state, citing the absence of clear regulations under Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act. The ban, enforced from June 16, forced platforms like Ola, Uber, Rapido, and over six lakh gig workers off the roads.

Karnataka’s Bike Taxi Ban: What The Law Says

The legal shutdown of bike taxis has unleashed a shock wave across Karnataka and Bengaluru. The state argued that there are no valid provisions at the moment to allow two-wheelers as contract carriages. But critics resent this statement and quote it as careless tomfoolery, as this has derailed last-mile connectivity and directly violated riders’ right to livelihood under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution. According to Deccan Herald, the advocate representing the Bike Taxi Welfare Association mentioned that Karnataka’s 2021 E-Bike Taxi Policy laid the groundwork for such services, and its reversal in 2024 is now adding to the woes of people.

Also Read: Bengalureans Vexed Over Auto Fares After Bike Taxi Ban; Netizens Call It “License For Daylight Robbery”

‘Necessity, Not A Luxury’: Petitioners Defend Bike Taxi Services

On June 24-25, a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Kameshwar Rao and Justice C.M. Joshi heard pleas from major aggregators and independent riders. Senior Advocate Dhyan Chinnappa appeared for the petitioners and emphasised that “a motorcycle is a transport vehicle” and urged the court to allow regulated operations, proposing a fare cap of ₹8/km and mandatory insurance and safety norms. 

The petitioners, including the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, argued that bike taxis are a ‘necessity, not a luxury.’ Their argument unfolds that bike taxis do not have any business being a luxury facility in congested settings like Bengaluru. Since the ban, public frustration has been soaring high. According to the Economic Times, many commuters have also reported auto fare hikes of up to 25%, cancelled rides and lack of availability during peak hours.

Also Read: Mumbai: 28,000+ Auto And Taxi Drivers Face Licence Suspension For Denying Short Rides

Gig Economy Hit Hard As Karnataka Awaits Verdict

The gig economy has also endured a massive hit due to this unexpected, untimely change. An estimated 650,000 riders now face an uncertain future. It also must be noted that many of them earn ₹300-₹3,000 per day. According to a report by The Economic Times, Nasscom has warned of widespread job losses if the ban prevails. Petitioners also put in their claims that 12 Indian states, including the metropolitan cities of Delhi and Goa, have successfully regulated bike taxis. Given that the Bengaluru traffic exceeds these cities’ traffic by leaps and bounds, it is only reasonable that Karnataka adopts a similar model instead of imposing an outright ban.

The High Court has decided to respond to the public outcry and is all set to resume hearings on the case on July 2, 2025. Until then, Bengaluru can only wait! 

Cover Image Courtesy: EntrepreneurIndia

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First Published: June 26, 2025 2:06 PM