Karnataka resumes crackdown on bike taxis, seizes 263 vehicles, files appeal in SC

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Aug 6, 2026: After a seven-month pause, the Karnataka government on Wednesday launched a statewide crackdown on bike taxis, following the Supreme Court’s admission of its appeal in the ongoing legal dispute and amid mounting complaints from auto-rickshaw and cab drivers.

During a special enforcement drive in Bengaluru, the Transport Department seized 263 bike taxis, alleging that they were operating illegally. Officials said the impounded two-wheelers will remain seized for at least a month, while the owners’ registration certificates (RCs) and driving licences will also be suspended. The department has additionally initiated steps to remove the ’bike taxi’ option from ride-hailing apps. The drive is expected to continue for a week.

The government maintains that privately registered, non-transport motorcycles cannot be used for commercial passenger services without the required permits under the Motor Vehicles Act.

The enforcement comes as the state has challenged a January 2026 Karnataka High Court division bench order, which had overturned an earlier single-judge ruling banning bike taxi operations. The division bench held that motorcycles cannot be denied contract carriage permits solely because they are two-wheelers and ruled that the government may regulate the sector but cannot impose an outright ban. It also directed the state to formulate a policy governing bike taxi services.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka App-based Workers Union (KAWU), representing app-based auto, cab and gig workers, had warned of protests if the government failed to act against what it called illegal bike taxi operations.

KAWU president Mohammed Inayath Ali argued that the High Court order does not prevent the government from taking action until a formal policy is framed, insisting that bike taxi services remain illegal in the state.

Bike taxi operators, however, condemned the crackdown, calling it unfair and accusing the Transport Department of misinterpreting the High Court’s ruling.

Mohammed Salim, president of the Namma Bike Taxi Association, said the department was "twisting" the court’s order and argued that vehicles should not be seized while the matter is still pending before the Supreme Court. He also alleged that the High Court had directed the government not to harass bike taxi drivers.

Similarly, Adi Narayan, president of the Bike Taxi Welfare Association of Karnataka, expressed disappointment over the government’s approach, saying earlier assurances to introduce a bike taxi policy had not materialised. He also alleged that the ongoing crackdown had led to incidents of verbal and physical abuse of bike taxi riders by auto drivers, with one such case resulting in an FIR at Madanayakanahalli.

The bike taxi unions said they would once again approach Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh and warned of protests if the enforcement drive continues.