'Our Livelihoods Impacted': Bengaluru Bike Taxi Owners Move Karnataka HC, Challenge Sweeping State Ban

Bengaluru: Two bike taxi owners approached the Karantaka High Court on Tuesday, June 24, challenging the state government's recent ban on two-wheeler taxis, calling it an attack on their right to earn a living. The petition, supported by ride-hailing giants Rapido, Ola and Uber, argues that the prohibition goes against constitutional and legal provisions.

Speaking before a Division Bench, the petitioners' senior advocate asserted that the ban contradicts the Motor Vehicles Act and unjustly blocks individuals from using their vehicles for livelihood. According to a report by PTI, the counsel said, “A blanket refusal to register an entire class of vehicles, like motorcycles, is not backed by the Motor Vehicles Act.”

Ban Raises Fares, Clogs Roads

Enforced from June 16, the ban comes after an April ruling by a single judge that barred registration of bikes as transport vehicles under Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act. It also prohibited contract carriage permits for two-wheelers, citing the absence of safety and regulatory guidelines.

While the state’s intent was to curb unregulated bike taxi operations, the move has had unintended consequences. Commuters across Bengaluru reported a spike in auto and cab fares, while traffic congestion also worsened due to fewer affordable transport options.

‘Violation of Fundamental Rights’

The legal challenge centres on the state’s authority to impose a blanket ban despite transport registration being a central subject. The petitioners argue that the state government cannot arbitrarily deny permits, especially when the central law permits registration of two-wheelers as transport vehicles.

“This sweeping prohibition oversteps constitutional limits,” the advocate told the court, emphasising that it infringes on the fundamental right to livelihood.

He also pointed to individual freedom of commute. “People have the right to choose how they travel, by bike taxi, metro, or bus. The state cannot dictate that without a solid legal basis,” he said, as quoted by PTI.

The hearing is expected to resume on June 25.