The Karnataka High Court has reaffirmed its earlier decision to ban bike taxi services provided by companies such as Rapido, Ola, and Uber, with the suspension taking effect from June 16, 2025. This move will directly affect around 1.5 lakh Rapido riders and disrupt nearly 50 lakh rides each month, posing a serious challenge to last-mile connectivity and the livelihood of drivers—many of whom rely on the platform as their main source of income. The ban arises due to Karnataka not implementing certain provisions of the national Motor Vehicles Act that permit contract-based two-wheeler services. Despite appeals from organizations like Nasscom for an extension and the creation of a regulatory framework, no relief has been offered yet, and the matter is set for further hearing on June 24.
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