Give 2 helmets at time of purchase of vehicle, Madras HC tells Centre + to provide helmet lock as a component and not as an accessory.

Madras High Court has directed the Centre to issue suitable direction to manufacturers of helmets for two wheelers to provide helmet lock as a component and not as an accessory. The Court said two helmets should be given to people at the time of purchase of a vehicle.

Justice N Kirubakaran, whose order has led wearing of helmet mandatory in Tamil Nadu since July 1st, also said celebrities too could be roped in to popularise the mandatory helmet rule.

Emphasizing the relevant sections of Motor Vehicle Act, which mandated providing helmets to two wheeler riders, the Judge asked the Centre to ensure two-wheeler manufacturers to provide helmets confirming to the Bureau of Indian Standards. The judge said, if helmet is provided by the manufacturer, it will prevent use of sub-standard headgears.

Union Ministry of Surface Transport had earlier submitted details regarding standard designs and details of helmets. The Judge posted the matter to October 13th for further hearing.