Uber was banned in the city last December after one of its drivers was accused of rape. The incident led to outrage against online taxi companies that were using mobile technology to connect drivers with passengers, but did not have proper safety checks or government registrations in place. Uber briefly halted services in Delhi in December, but resumed operations in January after applying for a radio taxi licence despite a state ban.

Conditions imposed

On June 3, Delhi’s transport authority rejected Uber’s application and began to impound its vehicles, citing a violation of the ban. Uber, represented by senior counsel Rajiv Nayar and long-time litigation adviser Khaitan & Co., approached the court to challenge the decision after local rival Ola was granted a similar reprieve. The Delhi High Court said the said the state government can impose conditions to regulate app-based taxi companies such as Uber, but it does not favour a complete ban. ‘Uber can now ply on Delhi roads,’ government lawyer Naushad Ahmad Khan said. ‘It, however, has been asked to appear before the competent transport authority to pursue the application.’ Sources: Reuters; Legally India