General News

Sikh women pillion riders exempted from wearing helmets

June 17, 2014 | By Parmjeet Singh

New Delhi, India (June 17, 2014): It is learnt that Sikh women pillion riders will be exempted from wearing helmets in the New Delhi, the capital city of India. According to media reports a notification in this regard is likely to be issued this week. The decision comes after the Sikhs strongly objected to the Transport department’s move of making helmets mandatory for all women pillion riders.

The Transport department had issued a gazette notification inviting public suggestions and objections in the matter.

“We received several objections from the Sikhs over the decision. This made us decide to exempt Sikh women from the rule,’’ a Transport department official said.

It is notable that the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) had written to Lt-Governor Najeeb Jung asking him to exempt Sikh women from wearing helmets as it would hurt their religious sentiments.

While making a case for compulsory-helmet rule for all women pillion riders, the Transport department had cited the risk involved in case of accidents. “The move was prompted due to increasing number of accidents on city roads. Helmets will go a long way in saving lives,’’ a Transport official said.

However, the Delhi High Court, in January this year, had dismissed a PIL seeking directions to the government to make helmets mandatory for pillion riders. The court said the government will decide on who has to wear helmets. The government had been delaying a decision in the matter due to opposition from the Sikh community.

Necessary amendments will be made in the Delhi Motor Vehicles Rules to implement the rule.

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Related Topics: Sikhs in Delhi

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