MP to withdraw exemption on helmets for women two-wheeler riders

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh government would withdraw the exemption granted to women and children riding two-wheelers from wearing helmets. This was stated by deputy advocate general, Praveen Dubey before the division bench of M P High Court headed by the Chief Justice AK Mittal during hearing of a PIL challenging the exemptions extended by the government.

The state government amending the MP Motor Vehicles’ Act, had exempted women from wearing helmets while riding a two-wheeler. A student of National Law Institute University (NLIU), Himanshu Dixit, has filed a PIL challenging the exemptions.

Dubey told the high court that state government would revoke the exemption of compulsory helmet clause for women driving a two-wheeler or women and children below 12 years of age riding pillion.

Following this, the bench comprising chief justice, Justice AK Miital and Justice V K Shukla fixed the case for hearing on March 2, giving two-week time to the state government to do the needful.

Presenting his argument on the plea, Dixit said it was against fundamental right of equality. Besides, it does not do them (women and children) any good and only jeopardize their safety, he said.

In the previous hearing, Dixit had presented fatal road accidents involving women before the judges following which the court issued notices to the state government and other respondents seeking their response on the issue.


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