Pune moves to ban Rapido as Symbiosis Law School opens SLAT 2027 intake
Pune has become the latest flashpoint in India's contested debate over app-based mobility regulation, with the city's police commissioner formally writing to Google and Apple requesting the removal of the Rapido application from their stores over unlicensed bike taxi operations. The action follows a failed statewide order earlier this year that was reversed within a day after central government intervention. Separately, Symbiosis Law School Pune has opened admissions for its integrated undergraduate law degrees through the Symbiosis Law Admission Test 2027, drawing applicants from across Maharashtra and beyond.
🗳️ Police target Rapido over unlicensed bike taxi operations
Pune police have formally written to Google and Apple requesting the removal of the Rapido application from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, targeting the company's unlicensed two-wheeler taxi service in the city. Pune police commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed the action, stating that official communications had been dispatched to both platforms. The dispute centres on whether Rapido's bike taxi service meets Maharashtra's motor vehicle licensing requirements for fare-paying passenger transport. The move echoes an earlier attempt: on May 15, Maharashtra Cyber, the state's dedicated cyber police unit, ordered a full statewide removal of the Rapido app. Both Google and Apple complied, pulling the application across Maharashtra, but the central government stepped in and both platforms restored it the following day. If the current Pune-specific ban proceeds without reversal, the consequences for users would extend well beyond bike taxis. Rapido bundles bike taxis, auto-rickshaws and cab rides through a single application, meaning a successful takedown would block new users from booking any of the three service categories offered by the company. The episode has drawn scrutiny from technology and policy observers as a test of how state-level regulators can enforce transport licensing requirements against app platforms operating at national scale, and raises questions about the respective powers of state and central governments in regulating digital transport services. [6]
🎓 Symbiosis Law School launches SLAT 2027 registration for integrated programmes
Symbiosis Law School Pune has opened the registration window for the Symbiosis Law Admission Test 2027, known as SLAT, which serves as the primary entry route for the school's integrated five-year undergraduate law programmes. The programmes available through this admission cycle include the B.A. LL.B., which combines an arts foundation with legal training; the B.B.A. LL.B., which pairs business administration with law; and the B.Com. LL.B., which integrates a commerce degree with legal qualifications. ANI reported the opening of registrations on October 26, noting that the application process for SLAT 2027 is now underway. These five-year integrated programmes have grown in popularity among students who seek a substantive academic foundation alongside their law degree, allowing them to develop expertise in arts, commerce or business alongside their legal skills rather than approaching law as a standalone postgraduate qualification. Symbiosis Law School operates within Symbiosis International University, one of Maharashtra's most recognised private universities, with programmes spanning management, engineering, health sciences, media and liberal arts. The university draws applications from across India and from the South Asian diaspora as well as international students. Prospective SLAT 2027 applicants are advised to consult the official SLS Pune and Symbiosis International University websites for eligibility criteria, application deadlines and examination details. [5]