Helmet rule reintroduced in Karnataka

The Karnataka Government has reintroduced mandatory wearing of helmets by two wheeler riders and pillion riders with effect from July 31.

Karnataka’s Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Basavaraj Horatti told reporters that a decision to the effect was taken at the recent Cabinet meeting and a detailed notification in the regard will be issued by the Transport Department shortly.

He said the Government decision on compulsory wearing of helmets by two wheeler riders and pillion riders was taken in view of a High Court order in the regard.

The Karnataka High Court had passed an order in October 2003 on reintroduction of compulsory wearing of helmets following public interest litigation. But, the then S M Krishna Government had deferred a decision on the matter in view of the impending elections to the Assembly.

Though the Dharam Singh-led Government mooted the idea of reintroducing helmet wearing in May 2004, a number of MLAs opposed the idea and cautioned the Government against playing into the hands of the helmet manufacturers.