Karnataka Revokes Ola's 6-Month Suspension
Karnataka State Government revokes Karnataka Transport Department’s decision to suspend the licence of the app-based taxi aggregator, Ola.
The Karnataka Transport Department issued Ola license to operate only taxis in Bengaluru. However they were illegally operating bike-taxis as well. The Transport authorities impounded 260 two-wheelers, filed a case against the company in court and launched a special investigation as well. When the company was asked to respond to the charges, the response given was not satisfactory. Which is why on 18th March 2019, the Karnataka Transport Department suspended their license for a period of 6 months. They were asked to surrender their license too.
When the Ola drivers came to know that they would not be allowed to drive for 6 months, they requested Karnataka CM H.D. Kumaraswamy to interfere as their livelihood was at stake. They said that there vehicles were attached to Ola. If the suspension were imposed, the drivers would suffer.They requested the CM for help. Many commuters were also worried about the hike in cab fares.
After hearing their requests, the state government revoked Ola’s suspension. They have however decided to impose a penalty of Rs 10 lakh. Ola resumed business from 24th March 2019. The Transport Commissioner will hold a meeting Ola on 25th March to further discuss this issue.
