Uber has filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court challenging the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2025, and related rules and notifications. On July 28, Justice Suraj Govindaraj issued notices to the Union government, Karnataka government, and the Karnataka Gig Workers Welfare Board, granting Uber interim protection from coercive action under the law, provided it complies with court directions, according to medianama.com.
The court tagged Uber’s petition with similar pending cases and gave respondents until August 24 to reply. Uber was given three weeks from July 28 to deposit the required welfare contribution. The company filed its petition after the earlier deadline had expired. Uber is contesting the creation of a separate social security framework by Karnataka, arguing that Parliament has already enacted the Code on Social Security, which governs such matters.
The Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers Act, 2025, aims to provide social security and welfare benefits to gig workers in the state. Uber’s challenge follows similar petitions by other platform companies opposing the law, which they argue conflicts with central legislation. The case highlights ongoing tensions between state-level regulations and national laws governing gig economy workers, a sector that has seen increasing legal scrutiny in India.
The Karnataka High Court’s interim relief to Uber aligns with protections previously granted to other platforms. The court’s deadline for responses from the government and welfare board is August 24, setting a timeline for further legal developments in this dispute over gig worker protections in Karnataka.