Maharashtra asks Apple, Google to remove Uber, Ola, and Rapido over bike taxi operations
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Maharashtra’s cyber authorities have directed Apple and Google to remove Uber, Ola, and Rapido from their app stores over violations linked to bike taxi services operating in the state.
The notices were issued on May 15 by the Office of the Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber, under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The authorities asked the companies to disable access to the apps through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The action followed a May 12 letter from Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik requesting action against bike taxi platforms operating without approval.
According to the notices, bike taxi services offered through the apps were “unlawful and in violation of the existing legal and regulatory framework”. Authorities alleged that the platforms were operating without required licences, approvals, and compliance with transport regulations and the Motor Vehicles Act.
The notices also raised concerns over passenger safety, alleging inadequate driver verification, insurance protection, women’s safety measures, and emergency response systems. Authorities further claimed that rash and negligent driving by bike taxi operators posed a threat to public safety.
The notice referred to a recent incident in which a woman died while using a bike taxi service operated through one of the platforms.
Authorities warned Apple and Google that failure to comply with directives from Indian law enforcement agencies could result in legal action under provisions of the Information Technology Act and intermediary liability rules.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the government’s action was aimed at passenger safety and aligned with Maharashtra’s electric vehicle transport policy. He said the state only permits electric bike taxi services, but alleged that thousands of petrol-powered bike taxis continue to operate illegally.
Sarnaik said aggregators had earlier been given temporary permission and time to submit documents to comply with state rules, but claimed they failed to complete the required formalities.