The Delhi Government’s Transport Department issued a notification on Friday seeking objections from people over its decision to amend the Motor Vehicle Rules,1993, for making helmets mandatory for woman driving or riding pillion on two-wheelers.
The move comes after the Election Commission gave its nod to issue a gazette notification to invite public suggestions and objections in the matter. The amendment would delete sub-rule (2) of rule 115 of the Motor Vehicle Rules making it mandatory for all women to wear headgear while on a two-wheeler.
“People can send their objections and suggestions to the Transport Commissioner. All the drafts received over the next 30 days will be considered before the MVR is amended,” a Transport Department official said.
While the city has seen several accidents involving two-wheelers in which women have been killed, members of the Sikh community have been protesting against the move on the grounds that it went against their religion.
Successive elected governments in the Capital have rejected any such move due to pressure from the Sikh community. Lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung, however, cleared a Transport Department proposal last month to amend the MVR.
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Managing Committee has sought review of the order. A day after the L-G gave his nod, the committee wrote to Mr. Jung requesting him to exempt Sikh women from wearing helmets.
