Uber challenges Karnataka Gig Workers Act in IN High Court
Summary
- Uber has moved the Karnataka High Court, challenging the validity of the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2025.
- The court has issued a notice to the Union government, the State government, and the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers Welfare Board seeking their response.
- An interim order passed by a coordinate Bench on July 3, 2026 granted protection from coercive action under the 2025 Act to aggregators Zomato, Swiggy, and four others.
Uber Challenges Karnataka Gig Workers Act in High Court
The benefit of this order was extended to Uber by Justice Govindraj yesterday.
Ride-hailing aggregator Uber has moved the Karnataka High Court, challenging the validity of the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2025. The court has issued a notice to the Union government, the State government, and the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers Welfare Board, seeking their response to the petition. The matter is returnable by August 24, 2026.
Legal Context: Interim Orders and Welfare Contributions
The court's decision to issue a notice in this case comes on the heels of an interim order passed by a coordinate Bench on July 3, 2026. In that order, the court granted interim protection from coercive action under the 2025 Act to aggregators Zomato, Swiggy, and four others, subject to them depositing a welfare contribution due under the new law. The benefit of this order was extended to Uber by Justice Govindraj yesterday. Advocate Mohammed Shameer, appearing for Uber, requested an extension of time for making the welfare deposit, citing the deadline set in the July 3 order had expired on July 23.
Why It Matters: Potential Impact on Gig Economy Businesses
The Karnataka High Court's decision to entertain Uber's petition challenging the Gig Workers Act may have significant implications for gig economy businesses in India. If the court upholds Uber's challenge, it could set a precedent for similar challenges to the Act. This has sparked concerns among lawyers and industry experts about the potential impact on companies that rely heavily on gig workers. The case highlights the need for clarity on labor laws and regulations governing the gig economy.
Practical Implications
Lawyers should watch for the potential impact on gig economy businesses in India, as this case may set a precedent for similar challenges to the Gig Workers Act.
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