Uber India Systems Private Limited has approached the Karnataka High Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2025. The petition argues that the Uber Karnataka Gig Workers dispute arises because the State law creates a parallel social security framework that conflicts with the Code on Social Security, 2020, enacted by Parliament. Uber also seeks to quash the 2025 Rules and related government notifications.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj issued notices to the Union Government, the State of Karnataka, and the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers Welfare Board. The Court also granted Uber interim protection from coercive action, subject to depositing the prescribed welfare contribution.
Uber Alleges Conflict with Central Law
Uber argued that the Karnataka Act duplicates the welfare framework established under the Code on Social Security, 2020.
According to the company, the State law imposes additional financial obligations on digital platforms despite the existence of a central legislation governing social security for workers.
Therefore, Uber contends that the State law is repugnant to the Central law under Article 254 of the Constitution and should be declared invalid.
High Court Extends Interim Protection
During the hearing, Uber informed the Court that a coordinate Bench led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna had already granted similar interim protection to other platform companies.
Those companies included Zomato, Swiggy, Zepto, and Blinkit. However, the deadline for depositing the statutory welfare contribution had already expired before Uber’s petition came up for hearing.
Consequently, Uber requested additional time to comply with the Court’s directions.
Justice Govindaraj accepted the request in part. He extended the compliance period by three weeks from the date of the order while continuing interim protection against coercive measures.
Petition Tagged with Similar Cases
The High Court directed that Uber’s petition be heard along with similar challenges filed by other platform aggregators and industry bodies.
The Court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on August 24, 2026.
Until then, Uber will continue to receive interim protection, provided it deposits the required welfare contribution within the extended timeline.
Wider Challenge to Gig Worker Law
Uber’s petition forms part of a broader legal challenge to state-level gig worker legislation across India.
Platform companies argue that Parliament has already enacted a comprehensive social security framework through the Code on Social Security, 2020. Therefore, they contend that individual states cannot establish overlapping welfare systems that impose additional compliance requirements.
On the other hand, the Karnataka Government maintains that the 2025 Act provides essential social security benefits for platform-based workers and complements existing central legislation.
The Uber Karnataka Gig Workers case will now determine whether the State’s welfare law can coexist with the Central Code or whether it violates the constitutional principle of legislative repugnancy under Article 254.
