Karnataka High Court questions bike taxi ban, backs operators’ right to livelihood

The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday came down on the state government’s ban on bike taxis, calling its arguments against the service ‘thin’ and “legally untenable”.

Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, heading the bench, noted that bike taxis are permitted in at least 13 states across the country and have emerged as a lawful and essential mode of urban transport.

He observed that such services are not a luxury but a necessity, especially for affordable and efficient last-mile connectivity.