Buying helmet along with bike not compulsory: HC

In a setback to Road Transport Authority (RTA) move to make wearing of helmet for two-wheeler riders, the Hyderabad High Court today ruled that it was not compulsory to buy helmet at the time of purchasing a two-wheeler.

It may be recalled that the RTA of Telangana government was proposing to make it compulsory for the purchase of a helmet along with a two-wheeler. The court, however, advised the RTA to first create awareness among prospective vehicle buyers on the importance of buying and wearing a helmet while driving. The Government Pleader informed the court that a total of 92,164 cases have been booked against two-wheeler riders for not wearing helmets. These cases were booked since June 2014, he added.

The court also advised the government to launch an awareness campaign about wearing of helmet for at least 15 days and then it can make it compulsory. The case was adjourned for two weeks for further hearing. (NSS)