The Karnataka government has escalated its challenge to the High Court’s decision to permit bike-taxi services, filing an appeal in the Supreme Court. The state administration is contending that two-wheeled vehicles should not be reclassified as public transport and has articulated significant concerns regarding the safety of women and children who might use these services.
The Chenab Times has learned that the state’s appeal comes after the Karnataka High Court directed the government to allow bike-taxi operations by issuing contract carriage permits. This ruling had effectively overturned an earlier government order that had imposed a ban on such services, citing regulatory and safety issues.
The Karnataka government’s primary argument in its Supreme Court filing is rooted in the fundamental nature of motorcycles. The administration posits that these vehicles are inherently designed for personal use rather than commercial passenger transport. They argue that allowing them to operate as taxis introduces a spectrum of risks that have not been adequately addressed by the current regulatory framework, particularly concerning passenger safety. The appeal emphasizes that the legal and operational distinctions between two-wheeled personal vehicles and authorized transport services are substantial and should be maintained to ensure public security.
Officials from the state transport department have indicated that the existing licensing and safety regulations for commercial vehicles are not designed to encompass the specific operational dynamics and inherent vulnerabilities associated with motorcycle-based taxi services. The government is particularly concerned about ensuring the safety and security of women and children who may opt for bike-taxis, highlighting potential issues related to driver verification, vehicle condition, and emergency response protocols.
The High Court’s earlier order had been a significant development for several bike-taxi aggregators operating in the state, who had argued that their services were essential for last-mile connectivity and provided an affordable transportation option for many citizens. However, the state government maintained that these services operated in a regulatory grey area, posing risks to both passengers and riders. The government’s initial ban was justified on grounds that these services did not comply with existing motor vehicle laws applicable to transport vehicles.
The Supreme Court’s intervention is expected to set a precedent for the regulation of app-based transport services, particularly those involving two-wheelers, across the country. The arguments presented by the Karnataka government are likely to be examined in the context of broader public policy objectives, including urban mobility, passenger safety, and the regulation of the burgeoning gig economy in the transportation sector.
The legal battle underscores the evolving landscape of urban transportation and the challenges faced by regulatory bodies in adapting existing laws to accommodate new service models. The outcome of this appeal will have significant implications for the operational viability of bike-taxi services and the regulatory framework governing them in India.
The Chenab Times News Desk