Bengaluru Transport Unions Demand Supreme Court Intervention After High Court Lifts Bike-Taxi Ban
In a significant development following the Karnataka High Court's decision to lift the blanket ban on bike-taxi operations across the state, auto and taxi drivers' unions in Bengaluru have intensified their opposition. These unions are now pressing the state government to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking an appeal against the High Court's ruling that has sparked widespread concern among traditional transport operators.
Formal Requisition Submitted to Transport Authorities
On Friday, the Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Associations took a decisive step by submitting a formal requisition to the state's transport commissioner. This document explicitly requests the government to file a petition before the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court's order that permits bike-taxi services to resume operations. The move underscores the growing anxiety within the transport sector regarding the potential implications of this judicial decision.
Safety and Livelihood Concerns Raised by Union Leaders
Nataraj Sharma, the president of the federation, articulated the unions' apprehensions in clear terms. He emphasized that allowing bike-taxi operations could jeopardize public safety by increasing the risk of road accidents, a point that has been a longstanding argument against such services. Sharma further highlighted the economic threat, warning that auto and taxi drivers might face significant livelihood losses as competition intensifies. Additionally, he pointed to enforcement challenges that could arise from unregulated bike-taxi activities, complicating traffic management and regulatory oversight.
In light of these concerns, the federation has urged the state government to seek a legal opinion from the advocate general. This step is seen as crucial before proceeding with a Supreme Court petition, ensuring that the appeal is grounded in robust legal arguments. The unions believe that a thorough review by the state's top legal advisor will strengthen their case against the High Court's ruling.
Government's Deliberative Stance and Future Course of Action
Meanwhile, the transport department appears to be adopting a cautious approach, refraining from an immediate decision on its next steps. The department is currently weighing its options: whether to challenge the High Court order in the Supreme Court or to develop comprehensive rules to regulate bike-taxi operations effectively. This deliberative stance suggests that the government is considering both legal and regulatory pathways to address the issue.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy provided insights into the government's timeline, indicating that a decision will be made after the ongoing Karnataka legislature session concludes. He stated that the government plans to consult the advocate general for a legal opinion and then discuss the matter with the chief minister. Only after these consultations will a final call be taken on whether to approach the Supreme Court. This process reflects the complexity of balancing judicial directives with stakeholder concerns and public interest.
The lifting of the bike-taxi ban by a division bench led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru last week has set the stage for a potential legal battle. As Bengaluru grapples with evolving urban mobility trends, the outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications for the city's transport ecosystem, affecting everything from driver livelihoods to commuter safety and regulatory frameworks.
