Ola, Uber spat moves from roads and courts to blog

the current battle is unique because of obvious flaws in Uber's approach of debating national identity while consciously contravening the law

The war between Ola and Uber has moved from roads into courtrooms and now onto online forums.

Not many would have missed the most recent blog battle between these two companies that has stoked so many conversations in our newspapers, on social media, on blogs and online portals.

Pitched battles between large competitors is not entirely new to us - Flipkart, SnapDeal and Amazon have been at it for a while, and globally, the Apple and Samsung saga caught everyone's attention.

However, the current battle is unique because of obvious flaws in Uber's approach. It is one thing to take on your competitor's market practices, but to debate national identity while consciously contravening the law of the land reeks of arrogance.

State governments across the country are reportedly considering plans to implement regulations that will make the taxi segment a more level-playing field for incumbents as well as on-demand players.

At the same time, these regulations will hopefully ensure that contentious practices like peak pricing do not affect customers.

India, being a relatively open economy, these moves by the government can be challenged or debated.

For example,the Karnataka On Demand Transportation Technology Aggregators Rules, 2016, is being vociferously debated in the Karnataka High Court by all players, but till a verdict is announced, it is the duty of all involved to follow regulations.

So why should Uber operate outside the rules that apply to everyone else? Unfortunately, this has reportedly been Uber's strategy in every market that it is presently in - ignore the laws and spend money indiscriminately to build massive market share.

Technological disruptions and innovations have a way of overturning status quo, but organisations need to give due consideration to regulations and will take time to keep pace with change.

Till such time it is imperative that all players respect the law and use the correct means to get their points across. It will be interesting to see how this new phase in public transportation in India plays out.