India, June 14 -- The Karnataka High Court on Friday upheld an earlier order by a single-judge bench mandating the suspension of bike taxi operations in the state from June 16, triggering widespread criticism on social media. The ruling, which follows a legal battle involving major operators like Rapido, Uber, and Ola, has sparked a wave of frustration among commuters, entrepreneurs, and public figures - many of whom are now urging the state government to rethink its stance, at least for Bengaluru.

The initial six-week grace period for bike taxi operators to wind down services was to end in May. However, in response to pleas from the platforms, the court had extended the deadline to June 15. With the latest decision refusing to delay the...