Karnataka High Court Passes Interim Order Restraining Govt From Taking Coercive Steps Against 'Ola Bike'

The Karnataka High Court has restrained the state government from taking any coercive steps against ANI Technologies, which operates Ola Cabs, for operating bike taxis in the State. A single judge bench of Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur in its order passed on February 18 said, "It is needless to mention and it is apparent on the face of the record that though the application is filed by the petitioner as long back as 19.04.2021 pursuant to the order of the writ appeal passed by this Court a clear direction was given to the respondents to consider the application preferred by the petitioner herein for grant of permission to use bike taxis within the State of Karnataka." It added, "In view of the fact that a similar order has been passed in WP.No.14627/2021 wherein the petitioner was granted interim relief by directing the State Government not to take any coercive steps, the petitioner herein who is also in the similar business of providing bike taxis also deserves interim protection in the matter. The petitioners had contended that section 2 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, defines contract carriage, which is an inclusive definition and the power of the Central and State Government to control transport vehicles which also includes a contract carriage and the provisions dealing with application for contract carriage permit namely.