Rapido, Ola, and Uber can operate bike taxis till June 15  

The three companies operate bike taxi services.
| Photo Credit: File photo

The High Court of Karnataka on Tuesday extended till June 15 the deadline given to the transport technology aggregators Rapido, Ola, and Uber for stopping their bike taxi services.

“On a complete reading of the circumstances and the grounds urged… this court is inclined to extend the timeline until June 15, so that there is no precipitation and there is a reasonable opportunity to all,” the court said while modifying its April 2 directions

Justice B.M. Shyam Prasad passed the order on the interlocutory applications filed by Rapido, Ola, and Uber seeking an extension of the six-week deadline to stop their bike taxies by May 14.

The aggregators pointed out to the court that their representation given State government for framing of policy allowing the operation of bike taxis is pending consideration before the authorities.

On framing policy

Roppen Transportation Services Pvt. Ltd., which operates Rapido services, stated in its application that it had filed a representation before the Chief Secretary for framing a policy on the lines of policies framed by other States to allow operation of bike taxies and the Chief Secretary has held a meeting with the stakeholders on April 23 on the issue.

It was pointed out to the court that there is a general expectation that their request to frame policy for the operation of bike taxis would be considered if the court extends the deadline by another six weeks.

The aggregators also told the court that considering the number of persons currently engaged as bike-taxi riders, it would require more time to make alternative arrangements, as Rapido alone has around 6 lakh bike taxis registered in Karnataka, and these riders are depending on these vehicles for their livelihood.

However, the State Advocate General opposed the extension of the deadline while pointing out that a meeting may have been convened but the expectation of a particular decision may not be justified.

Earlier order

In its April 2 order, the court had said that unless the State government notifies relevant guidelines under Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Rules, the petitioners-aggregators cannot operate as aggregators offering bike taxi services and the Transport Department, cannot be issued with directions to register motorcycles as transport vehicles or issue contract carriage permits for using them as bike taxies.