New Delhi, 23 September

Five auto-rickshaw and taxi driver associations in the State have approached the Supreme Court challenging a Karnataka High Court ruling that paved the way for bike taxis.

The associations have challenged the High Court's 23 January judgment directing the Karnataka government to consider applications to register motorcycles as transport vehicles and issue permits allowing them to operate as contract carriages.

The petitioners are the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Auto Chalakara Sanghatane, Karnataka Venkategowda Auto Mathu Taxi Chalakara Sangha, Greater Bangalore Chalakara Sangha, Karnataka Sarathigala Mahasangha and Jai Karnataka Sarathi Sene Trust, Bar and Bench reported. Driver Sathish KS has filed a separate petition.

The associations argue that the High Court effectively created a regulatory route for bike taxis in an area that falls within the jurisdiction of the state government and transport authorities.

They contend that about 1,50,000 auto-rickshaw drivers, taxi permit holders and other regulated operators in Bengaluru could be affected if bike taxis are allowed without comparable rules.

The petitioners said existing operators face permit, fitness, insurance, taxation, fare and licensing requirements, and argued that allowing another category without similar safeguards could create regulatory disparities.

They also cited a 2019 expert committee report that opposed bike taxis in Bengaluru, citing road safety, congestion, road-space efficiency and emissions.

The Karnataka government has separately appealed the High Court ruling. The Supreme Court has yet to hear the matter in detail.