NEW DELHI, India—The Delhi transport department has reportedly proposed making helmets compulsory for all women to wear while sitting on a two wheeler in the Indian capital territory. Various Sikh organizations including the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) have opposed the move, and are demanding that concerned authorities keep the religious sentiments of people in mind before taking any decision.
Najeeb Jung, Delhi’s Lt. Governor, has already given a green signal to this proposal. Once getting permission from the Election Commission, the opinion of the common public in this matter will be duly mulled over upon. Necessary amendments would be then made in the Delhi Motor Vehicle Act to make it obligatory for every woman to put on helmet while driving, or sitting, on a two-wheeler.
As per the Central Motor Vehicle Act, all the two-wheeler riders, and pillions, are obliged to put on helmets while driving. Only Sikhs with uncut hair do not come under this rule.
DSGMC president Manjit Singh GK has written a letter to Jung, seeking that Sikh women be allowed to drive or sit on a two-wheeler without the obligation of wearing a helmet.
Manit Singh GK, in his letter, also referred to amendments made by Sahib Singh Verma-led government in the Delhi Motor Vehicle Act in 1993 which exempted Sikh women with uncut hair from wearing helmet on two wheelers.
