Helmets become mandatory for two-wheeler pillion riders in Maharashtra

According to a circular issued by the Maharashtra Transport Department, it will now be mandatory for pillion riders of scooters and motorcycles in the state to wear a helmet at all times. The circular has been issued as per a ruling by the Bombay High Court given in connection with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2003. The circular pointed out that Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, makes it mandatory for two-wheeler riders and their pillion riders to wear helmets.

"The Bombay High Court had made it compulsory for bike riders and those riding pillion to compulsorily wear a helmet. It's the government's responsibility to ensure that HC's orders are implemented," stated the circular issued by the Transport Department, and announced by Transport Minister Diwakar Raote.

"To ensure that the order is implemented effectively, those wanting a new license will have to submit in writing that the two-wheeler rider as well as the pillion rider will wear helmets.”

“It is a reality that if the two-wheeler rider and his pillion rider are wearing helmets, it reduces the impact in case of an accident, and that’s why with the intention of implementing the directives of the (Bombay) High Court, it has been made mandatory for both the rider and his pillion rider to wear helmets or face action,” the circular, signed by State Transport Commissioner SB Sahastrabuddhe, added.

However, it is not all smooth sailing yet for the new rule yet. The ruling, announced by the Shiv Sena-led Transport Department, has elicited a negative response from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray.

"Issuing such guidelines to make both rider and the person riding pillion to wear helmets means the government wants helmet selling companies to make more profits, especially when basic facilities are not being provided to citizens," the MNS chief said in a public statement.

"Instead of issuing such orders, the government should first concentrate on improving the existing condition of roads,” he added.

The “helmets-for-pillions” ruling comes a few days after the Transport Minister made helmets mandatory in the cities of Aurangabad and Pune. As a result of the police beginning to enforce this rule, helmet prices have risen in the two cities in the last week.