Bike taxis are not public transport vehicles, Karnataka tells Supreme Court
The Karnataka government has petitioned the Supreme Court to overturn a High Court ruling that permitted the operation of bike taxis. The state argues that motorcycles are unsafe for public transport and that the High Court's decision improperly limits the state's regulatory authority over transport permits.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing regulatory tension between gig economy platforms and state governments regarding safety standards and the classification of transport vehicles.
The Karnataka government on Tuesday (August 11, 2026) submitted in the Supreme Court that a State High Court decision to allow bike taxis ignores the low safety standards of motorcycles, higher accident fatality rates, congestion, and their limited utility as public transport vehicles.
The State’s case came up before a Bench headed by Satish Chandra Sharma on Tuesday (August 11, 2026), and was deferred to a later date for detailed consideration.
Karnataka, represented by advocate Sanchit Garga, said the restriction on the use of two-wheelers as taxis was reasonable, proportionate, and in public interest.
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