Concerned over the increasing number of human lives lost in road accidents, the Madras High Court has directed the State government to make wearing of helmet mandatory for two-wheeler riders from July 1. It also directed officials to install CCTVs at junctions and along roads to monitor the implementation of the order.
Passing orders on a civil miscellaneous appeal, which challenged an order of Motor Accidents Claim Tribunal, Justice N. Kirubakaran directed the Home Secretary and the DGP to inform the public through media that wearing of helmet was compulsory for two-wheeler riders from July 1 under Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. Failing to do so would result in the impounding of the rider’s documents, including the driving licence.
Once impounded, the documents would be released only on production of a new ISI-certified helmet with the purchase receipt, the judge said. The authorities should suspend the driving licence of the rider and cancel it after enquiry for violation of the Act after registering a case. The State government should inform the court every two months about the number of cases filed against violators.
However, the court expected the police authorities “not to misuse this order to cause unnecessary hardship to riders and give room for an allegation of corrupt practice.”
Licence and other documents will be impounded if the
rule is violated
