15 May,2026 09:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
The action follows the reported death of a woman allegedly linked to one such bike taxi service. Representational Pic
Maharashtra Cyber has issued legal notices to Google and Apple, demanding the immediate removal of ride-hailing apps Ola, Uber and Rapido from their app stores over alleged illegal bike taxi operations in state.
The action follows the reported death of a woman allegedly linked to one such bike taxi service.
According to officials, the notices were issued after a complaint by Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who stated that bike taxi operations run through these platforms are illegal under the Motor Vehicles Act.
They said that a criminal case has already been registered in connection with the woman's death, while similar incidents involving bike taxi services are reportedly increasing across Maharashtra.
In the notice signed by Sanjay Shintre, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber invoked Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act.
Officials stated that the provision removes legal immunity for platforms once they are officially informed about unlawful activity taking place through their services.
The notice further warned that both Google and Apple, due to their business presence in India, could face direct liability in case of future incidents if no action is taken.
The cyber police also raised concerns over inadequate driver verification, lack of proper insurance coverage, weak safety measures for women passengers and negligent riding practices.
Officials said these operational issues were among the major reasons behind the crackdown on bike taxi services.
The development marks a major escalation in Maharashtra's action against app-based bike taxi operators.
