Karnataka High Court Lifts Bike Taxi Ban: Uber, Ola and Rapido Services Set to Resume

A division bench of the Karnataka High Court has overturned a ban on bike taxi services operating across the state, paving the way for app-based two-wheeler transport platforms to resume operations. On Friday, Chief Justice Vibhu Bakru and Justice CM Joshi set aside a single-judge bench ruling that had previously upheld the state government's prohibition on motorcycle taxi services, according to Bar and Bench.

The division bench granted appeals submitted by major ride-hailing aggregators including Ola, Uber and other services, reversing the earlier judicial decision that had brought such services to a complete halt.

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The ruling requires motorcycle owners and aggregator platforms to submit formal applications seeking permission to operate their vehicles as transport services. The state government has been directed to process and approve these applications in accordance with existing legislation.

The court's decision opens the door for services to restart, though operators will need to comply with any conditions the state authorities may establish.

Mohammad Salim, president of the Namma Bike Taxi Association, described the ruling as transformative for both riders and commuters.

"It is very good news that the bike taxi ban has been revoked. People are allowed to use bike taxis, people have transportation options now and I sincerely want to thank the high court that it really understands our pain, our suffering."

Motorcycle taxi operations ceased in June 2025 after the High Court mandated an immediate suspension of all such services. Major platforms including Ola, Uber and Rapido subsequently removed bike taxi booking options from their applications.

Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy had confirmed the enforcement of the prohibition at the time, noting that aggregators were bound to adhere to judicial directives.

"Three months ago, the court ruled that bike taxis are illegal. It initially gave six weeks, and then another six weeks on request. Now that 12 weeks have passed, the aggregators must follow the High Court order," Reddy was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.