HC takes exception to public resistance to helmet rule

A division bench comprising Justice S Manikumar and Justice Subramonium Prasad made this observation while hearing a plea relating to overloading of government buses, private buses, autorickshaws and other vehicles.

Justice Manikumar, on pointing out that it is unfortunate that the media and even the police have made it seem that the helmet rule is being implemented just because the High Court wanted it, said that the thrust should be on implementing the law that has been enacted by the government in this regard.

The judge also wondered as to whether action is being taken against those who confront police personnel when they are stopped for failing to abide by the rule.

In response, Additional Government Pleader E Manoharan submitted that in the initial phase, in a bid to create awareness, two-wheeler riders were requested to wear helmets. But now, the rule is being enforced with offenders being fined and that the enforcement of the rule is not being attributed to the court.

However, the bench, while dealing with the plea regarding the overloading in public transport, directed the government to make enough public awareness that speed governors in the buses are required to be installed and make awareness of overcrowding and the penal provisions that go with it. The plea has been posted for further hearing to August 19.