Centre exempts Sikh women from wearing helmet in Chandigarh

The Union Home Ministry has made wearing of helmets for Sikh women two-wheeler riders in Chandigarh optional asking the Union Territory to follow the norms as per the notification issued earlier by the Delhi Government.

The decision was taken following representations by Sikh bodies.

The MHA has advised the Chandigarh Administration to follow the notification issued by Delhi Government giving an exemption to Sikh women from wearing protective headgear (helmet) while driving two-wheelers in UT Chandigarh, the home minister said on Twitter.

"The Department of Transport, Delhi Government, vide its notification issued on 04th June 1999, carried out the amendment in Rule 115 of Delhi Motor Vehicle Act 1993, making it optional for women "whether riding on pillion or driving motorcycle to wear a protective headgear," the home ministry statement said.

The Rule was further amended, with notification dated August 28, 2014, as in the Delhi Motor Vehicle Rule 1993, in Sub-Rule 115 for the word "Women" the word "Sikh Women" shall be submitted, the home ministry said.

Earlier only turbaned Sikh women were exempted as per a notification issued by the Chandigarh administration.