Home ministry exempts Sikh women wearing turbans from wearing helmets

The Union Home Ministry has advised the Chandigarh Administration to follow the notification issued by Delhi Government to exempt Sikh women who wear turbans, from wearing protective headgear (helmet) while driving two wheelers in Chandigarh. 

The directive is in response to the representation received by to the Union Home Minister from representatives of Sikh bodies.

 The Department of Transport, Delhi Government, through its notification issued on June 4, 1999, carried out the amendment in Rule 115 of Delhi Motor Vehicle Act 1993, making it optional for women “whether riding pillion or riding a motorcycle to wear a protective headgear.”

The rule was further amended through a 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.