K'taka HC extends interim ban on seizure of Ola, Uber cabs

The Karnataka High Court, on Monday, extended till June 23 its interim order directing the state transport department not to seize cabs affiliated to Ola and Uber for allegedly plying without a license, and restraining cab aggregators from demanding surge price from commuters.

Extending the interim order, Justice Aravind Kumar said, "since the date of the interim order ends today, this court extends it until June 23."

The order had directed the cab operators not to demand surge price from commuters and asked the Karnataka Transport department not to impound cabs affiliated to Uber and Ola for plying without a license.

The High Court also admitted an application filed by Radio Taxi Operators, seeking permission to implead in the case, in a move to defend the government's on-demand transportation technology aggregator rules 2016, which was notified in April.

Issuing a directive, Justice Kumar with regard to admitting the impleading petition said, "since the Radio Taxi  Operators enjoy rights to implead in any particular case, this honourable court admits its impleading plea, which seeks to maintain a level-playing field in the business."

Uber, in its petition, had sought quashing of unconstitutional rules, which asked aggregators to hold an effective license issued to them.

The aggregator had moved the court after the transport department impounded the vehicles for not securing licences under the new norms.

It also suspended taxis, which led to protests by drivers.

Drivers have also independently filed a petition in court.

The court posted the next hearing on June 23.