Delhi govt to ask bike-taxi aggregators to cease operations
2 min read 13 Jun 2023, 07:36 PM ISTThe authorities will start impounding the bike taxis of if they do not cease operations in line with the Supreme Court order backing a ban on them, a senior official said
PremiumThe Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi Tuesday asked bike-taxi aggregators to stop operations in the national capital till a policy on the same is notified, a day after the Supreme Court stayed a High Court order allowing them to ply.
The authorities will start impounding the bike taxis of if they do not cease operations in line with the SC order backing a ban on them, Reuters reported citing a senior government official.
The apex court Monday stayed the High Court order allowing bike-taxi aggregators like Rapido, Ola and Uber to operate in the national capital.
Ashish Kundra, Delhi transport commissioner, said "We will issue an advisory to companies asking them to respect the court order. If they fail to do that, we will start impounding vehicles."
“The SC's ruling is binding on all."
"The submission of the department in the court was that we have already floated a draft scheme and the scheme is going to be finalised soon. In absence of any scheme and regulatory framework, the companies are overstepping their mandate by offering such services in absence of any permits or registration from the Transport Department," news agency PTI reported quoting Kundra.
The transport commissioner said companies are free to give their comments on the proposed policy on bike-taxi aggregators. The government will take a decision after taking a comprehensive view of various aspects.
"Those issues have to be incorporated while finalising the policy. We will be writing to them. These are responsible companies and they should advise their driver partners to desist from operations till they have due authorisation and registration. It is unfortunate that in continuing such operations, they are jeopardising the economic prospects of such people who are associated with them unknowingly in an activity not permissible by law," Kundra added.
Earlier this year, the Delhi transport department had cautioned bike-taxi aggregators against plying on the roads the national capital, warning that it was a violation of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and it would make aggregators liable for a fine of ₹1 lakh.