AAP Govt. Challenges Delhi HC’s Decision On Bike Taxis In SC

The Delhi government has recently challenged the High Court’s decision regarding Delhi’s bikes taxis in the Supreme Court, and the hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

The Delhi government has challenged the interim order of the Delhi High Court in the Supreme Court to stay the notification of the Delhi Transport Department that aimed to halt bike taxi services through ride-sharing platforms in the national capital.

On Monday, the lawyers representing the Delhi government, Manish Vashisht, and Jyoti Mendiratta, requested an early hearing before the vacation bench of Justice Aniruddha Bose and Justice Rajesh Bindal in the Supreme Court. The court stated that it will hear the plea on Wednesday.

Essentially, the Delhi government has challenged the interim order of the Delhi High Court issued on May 26, which allowed commercial operations and licensing of aggregator-based non-transport two-wheeler vehicles, including in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.

The Delhi government argues that it continues to allow the use of non-transport vehicles, including two-wheelers, for the purpose of Uber and Ola aggregation and ride-pooling which is in violation of the controversial interim order of the High Court, which is unacceptable under the law.

The government stated that the Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator Scheme 2023, prepared by the state, has already been finalized and is now pending approval by the competent authority. The state government said, “Applicants need to register themselves and apply for permits only after fulfilling the conditions specified in the notification and only then can operators be allowed to continue their business operations in accordance with the law.”

The state government further stated that permission to operate bike taxis cannot be granted without complying with conditions such as police verification, GPS devices, panic buttons, and other requirements to ensure road safety and passenger security, among other reasons.