The transport department on Saturday issued a circular, directing all two-wheeler dealers to compulsorily sell two helmets to riders. This will now make it compulsory for pillion riders to wear helmets in Maharashtra.
"The Bombay High Court had made it compulsory for bike riders and those riding pillion to compulsorily wear a helmet. It's the government's responsibility to ensure that HC's orders are implemented," stated the circular issued by Transport department.
"To ensure that the order is implemented effectively, those wanting a new license will have to submit in writing that the two-wheeler rider, as well as the pillion, will wear helmets," it added.
A press release sent out by the department on Saturday said, “Severity of the accidents get reduced if both the rider and the pillion wear helmets and hence the department has decided to implement the high court order.”
Transport Minister, Diwakar Raote was flooded with requests to reconsider the implementation of the rule. Around 2,500 people rode their bike without helmets to protest against the rule on Saturday. MNS chief Raj Thackeray has opposed the implementation of this rule saying, “This is the state government’s attempt to drum up more business for helmet manufacturers.”
Despite all the protest, the Transport Minister is remaining firm on the rule.
