Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 04 2009:
Wearing helmets by motorrcyclists and pillion riders has become a legal mandaatory now.
Director of 'Trans port, Government of Manipur, Nobert Dishinang today informed the public through a press release that following a directive of the Gauhati High Court, Immphal Bench issued today, anyone who rides and pilllion-rides a two wheeler of any kind must wear a hellmet/protective head gear approved by the Bureu of Indian Standards under Section 129 of Motor Vehiicle Act, 1988 in all parts of Manipur, which must be compulsorily followed within two months.
The press release further informed that followwing the directive of the Gauuhati High Court, Im'phal Bench will supersede all other notifications or press releases issued earlier by state government authoriities in this regard.
The diirective, which becomes efffective from the day this press release is published through media, however states that Section 129 will not apply tothe Sikhs who wear turbans.
Earlier, a directive isssued by a division bench of ~he Gauhati High Court, Imphal Bench comprising Justice Maibam Binoykuumar and Justice Ashok Pottshangbam categorically stated that while issuing nootifications by the authorities for implementing the proovisions under Section 129 of the MV Act, those who ride two-wheelers should be given at least two months starting from the date of isssuing the notificatioI1 to ennable them to purchase hellmets/ protective head gears.
The directive was isssued after hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against the order isssued by Senior SP of Immphal West District Police, L Kai1uh which said that every motor cyclist who drives and rides who do not , wear helmets/protective head gear will be fined with immediate effect.
With the issuance of the directive, the writ petition was closed.
Advocate General of the Government of Maanipur, N Koteshor assured the Court that as the press note of April 29 was issued without jurisdiction, necesssary steps will be taken to withdraw it.