Bengaluru: In the wake of the Karnataka high court lifting the ban on bike-taxi operations in the state, auto and taxi drivers’ unions in the city urged the state govt to approach the Supreme Court to appeal against the HC order. On Friday, the Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Associations submitted a requisition to the transport commissioner, seeking to petition the Supreme Court. Last week, a division bench, led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, lifted the blanket ban on bike-taxi operations in the state.The federation president Nataraj Sharma said, “Allowing bike-taxi operations will pose risks to public safety, increase road accidents, and result in auto and taxi drivers losing their livelihoods. It also poses enforcement challenges. The state govt was requested to seek a legal opinion from the advocate general and submit a petition before the Supreme Court challenging the HC order.”Meanwhile, the transport department appears to be buying time and is yet to take a clear call on its next course of action — whether to approach the Supreme Court or frame rules to regulate the operations.“Auto drivers’ unions submitted their requisition. After the Karnataka legislature session, we will seek the opinion of the advocate general, and the issue will be discussed with the chief minister. Thereafter, a decision will be taken on whether to approach the Supreme Court,” said transport minister Ramalinga Reddy.
