More than 5,000 challans were issued to women riders and pillions for not wearing helmets in the national Capital by the Delhi Traffic Police after it initiated a special drive on Wednesday to ensure compliance of a Government order making wearing of helmets mandatory for women (exempting Sikh women).
“Over 5,200 challans to women riders and pillions were issued till 8pm for not wearing helmet during the special drive which started at 8 am. On the first day of the drive it has given a good impact. Advertisements have been put up and announcements are also being made on the radio channels so as the women are aware about it,” said Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Muktesh Chander. Women (except Sikh women) who were not wearing helmets while driving or riding pillion on two-wheelers were prosecuted under the amended Act. Till 5pm, the number of challans issued stood at 3,236, which rose to 5,200 by 8pm. Hundred teams were deployed at institutional areas, office complexes, market places, malls, commercial centers and important intersections such as Nehru Place, Rajendra Place, Connaught Place, among others to ensure compliance of the law.
Certain amount of difficulties were faced while the drive was being carried out as women rider argued with the police and claimed to be Sikh. While some women were carrying there marriage photographs in their bags showing that they were married to a Sikh man there were few who claimed that they were unaware about the rule. The cops said that some level of difficulty will be faced until specific norms are set.
The Delhi Government had on August 28 issued a notification making wearing of helmets mandatory for women with immediate effect. Sikh women have been exempted from it on religious grounds. According to the earlier provision, it was optional for the women pillion rider to wear a helmet. The city Government amended the rule 115 of the Delhi Motor Vehicles Rules, 1993 to make the new provisions.
In 1998, the Delhi Government had made wearing helmets mandatory for all pillion riders, but following objections from the people belonging to Sikh community; it had to amend the Delhi Motor Vehicle Rules, 1993 in June 1999 and had made it optional for women.