Helmet rule from July 31

Helmet rule from July 31
Deccan Herald

The government is expected to issue a notification on Thursday, making wearing of helmets compulsory for riders as well as pillion riders of two-wheelers from July 31.

Despite opposition from some quarters of society for making use of helmets compulsory for the pillion riders too, the government is firm on the decision taken in the cabinet meeting. The order is also expected to clarify the punishment and fee to be collected on violation of the rule.

The State Government made wearing of helmets compulsory following a High Court order. In October 2003, a division bench of Karnataka High Court, comprising Justice M F Saldanha and M S Rajendra Prasad passed an order for introduction of helmet rule following a public interest litigation. Later the High Court in March 2004 ordered compulsory implementation of helmet rule and set the deadline as April 2004.

But the government deferred the implementation of the order citing ensuing elections. Meanwhile the High Court initiated contempt of court against the government for not implementing its order.

Soon after the Cong-JD(S) came to rule, the then Chief Minister Dharam Singh mooted the introduction of the rule, which was opposed by few MLAs leading to delay in taking a decision. However the present JD(S)-BJP setup has decided to follow the High Court order.