Plea to exempt Sikh women from wearing helmet

Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Managing Committee has written to Delhi's Lt Governor requesting him to exempt Sikh women from wearing helmets in the wake of Transport Department seeking permission from the Election Commission to make helmets mandatory for women pillion riders in the city.
"As per the Sikh tenets wearing of caps is not permitted in Sikh religion. Some Sikh women who are Amritdari and have been baptised wear turbans or headgears and it is not possible for them to wear helmets," said Manjit Singh, President of DSGMC in his letter to Najeeb Jung.
Further he said that there is great resentment among Sikh women and demanded a review of the order in light of religious sentiments.

"It will be highly appreciated if you don't issue such an order...However, the Sikh women with their own choice can wear helmets. The Legislative being the supreme law making body has the prerogative to amend the Act and Rules made there under," Singh said in his letter to Najeeb Jung.
Jung has given his approval to the proposal that makes wearing helmets mandatory for women pillion riders in the city following which it has been sent to the Election Commission for approval.
Earlier, government had to exempt women from wearing helmets after strong objection by Sikh community. A PIL in this regard was dismissed by Delhi HC in January.

The transport department is now planning to amend the rule 115 of the act, exempting women from wearing helmets.