Mumbai, July 16: Mumbai High Court today ordered Maharashtra government to introduce compulsory wearing of helmets for two wheeler drivers and pillion riders and to implement it in phases all over the state. Admitting a Public Interest Litigation, Chief Justice C K Thakker and Justice Vijaya Tahilramani allowed the government to enforce compulsory wearing of head protective gears in a phased manner by issuing notifications.
The judges said it was open to the government to consider recommendations and suggestions of the committee appointed by the state as also suggestions made by the petitioners in regard to the implementation of use of helmets.
The PIL, filed by Ravi Shekhar Bharadwaj and seven others of Pune Symbosis College, prayed for a direction to the state to introduce compulsory wearing of helmets as a safety measure particularly in view of increase in road accidents.
The court also asked the government to pay costs of Rs 5000 to the petitioners.
The judges, however, dismissed another PIL which opposed compulsory wearing of helmets. It was filed by Pune-based Akhil Bharitya Grahak Panchayat, Yuva Bharati and helmets opposition front. The petitioners contended that the wearing of helmets should not be compulsory but the choice should be left to the motorcycle riders.
Bureau Report