Bengaluru, Jan 23 The Karnataka High Court on Friday lifted the ban on bike taxis, paving the way for the resumption of services across the state.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C M Joshi directed the state government to register motorcycles as transport vehicles and issue them carriage permits.
The order was passed on appeals filed by ANI Technologies, Uber India and Roppen Transportation Services.
The Karnataka government had imposed the ban on June 16, 2025, directing app-based ride-hailing aggregators to stop bike taxi operations.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said he had not yet received a copy of the order and would comment after reviewing it.
However, he said the division bench had quashed the earlier order of the single-judge bench.
"The single-judge bench of the High Court had prohibited bike taxis. The division bench has now quashed that order and allowed the writ appeal. Let the judgment copy come. I will read it and then discuss it with you all," the minister told reporters.
Uber welcomed the court’s decision.
"We welcome the Hon’ble High Court’s decision to recognise bike taxis as a legal mode of passenger transport in Karnataka," Uber said in a statement.
According to the company, bike taxis serve as a vital mobility lifeline for Indian cities, offering an affordable and convenient way to navigate traffic.
"The decision will also bring relief to lakhs of drivers who depend on bike taxis for their livelihood. We look forward to engaging with the state government to operationalise this mobility ecosystem and serve the mobility needs of cities across the spectrum," the statement said.
Cab aggregator Ola also welcomed the order.
In a statement, Ola said the decision was a welcome step and a clear signal in the right direction for urban mobility in Karnataka.
"Bike taxis are a simple and efficient solution for congested cities and play a critical role in improving last-mile connectivity and affordability. This decision will help scale up last-mile connectivity, reduce congestion, and create flexible earning opportunities," Ola said.
The company added that it would work towards realising the full potential of bike taxis as a core part of Karnataka’s mobility ecosystem.
Bengaluru, Jan 23 The Karnataka High Court on Friday lifted the ban on bike taxis, paving the way for the resumption of services across the state.
Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said he had not yet received a copy of the order and would comment after reviewing it.
However, he said the division bench of the High Court had quashed the single-bench order.
"The single-judge bench of the High Court had prohibited bike taxis. The division bench has quashed the single judge bench order and allowed the writ appeal. Let the judgment copy come. I will read it and then discuss it with you all," the minister told reporters.
Uber hailed the court order.
"We welcome the Hon'ble High Court’s decision to recognise bike taxis as a legal mode of passenger transport in Karnataka," Uber said in a statement.
According to the company, bike taxis serve as a vital mobility lifeline for Indian cities, offering an affordable and convenient way to navigate traffic.
"The decision will also bring relief to lakhs of drivers who depend on bike taxis for their livelihood. We look forward to engaging with the state government on operationalising this mobility ecosystem and serving the mobility needs of cities across the spectrum," the statement said.
