New Delhi, Jan. 23 -- The Karnataka High Court on Friday permitted bike taxis to ply in the state. The court ruled that while the government is empowered to frame regulations and impose conditions to govern bike taxi operations, it cannot refuse to accept applications for taxi permits solely on the ground that the vehicle in question is a motorcycle.

The state government had imposed a blanket prohibition on bike taxis in June.

The court held that motorcycles used for bike taxi services fall within the definition of transport vehicles under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988-a move welcomed by ride-hailing platforms.

"We welcome the Hon'ble High Court's decision to recognize bike taxis as a legal mode of passenger transport in Karnataka. Bike...