Ola Cabs back in Delhi despite state government ban

Taxi hailing app Ola today sent out mails to its customers saying that it has resumed operations in Delhi NCR, about a week after crack down by Delhi Traffic Police led to a disruption in its services.

"We are delighted to inform you that we are once again readily available at every nook and corner of Delhi NCR to provide you with a ride within minutes of you needing one," Ola said in the mail.

Delhi government has banned Ola, Uber and Taxi For Sure (TFS) from offering service in the state as they donot have licence under Modified Radio Taxi Scheme 2006 of Transport Department of Delhi.

The state government still maintains that these firms will not be allowed to operate and strict action will be taken if they offer cab services without licence.

"As Ola, Uber, Taxi For Sure do not have licence to operate their services in Delhi, they cannot run. If they operate, the transport department will seize their vehicle and take strict action against them," a senior Delhi government official said.

These firms applied for licences but the Delhi government rejected their application following which Ola and TFS approached Delhi High Court.

The court on June 11 set aside the the state government's order rejecting the licence applications of app-based cab companies to operate in the national capital, saying the reason for not granting licence was "not valid".

Ola and TFS spokesperson said that the court order has resolved confusion on ban status of their services.

"The Hon'ble court also quashed the impugned notices dated June 3, 2015 subsequent to the alleged ban on Ola being set aside on December 23, 2014," the statement from Ola and TFS said.

The ban was imposed on services from these mobile apps following an alleged rape by a cab driver working in partnership with Uber in December.

Earlier this month, there was a fresh crack down on taxis booked through these three mobile apps after another driver working with Uber was accused of molesting a female passenger in Gurgaon.

Delhi traffic police prosecuted 450 cabs of Uber, Ola and TFS as they were operating without valid permit.

Ola and TFS said "vehicles of driver partners which were impounded shall also be released so that they can continue to resume business for themselves on the platform."

When Uber was contacted about status of its service, the company spokesperson said "We have been and remain available in Delhi."

TFS spokesperson did not clarify if it's service is available in Delhi.