The Delhi High Court was today informed by the city government that Sikh women have been exempted from wearing helmets while driving two-wheelers or riding pillion here.
The Delhi Transport Department told the bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw that it has made wearing of helmet optional after receiving around 20 objections from various sections of the society.
"It (Delhi government) has received around 20 objections including both for and against. However, after meeting with all the stake holders and people of different religions over the issue, we (government) decided to make the helmet optional for Sikh women.
"The Sikh women who have objection will not wear. Who do not have any problem will wear it," said Delhi government's standing counsel Zubeda Begum, appearing for the transport department.
She further stated that it is also a policy decision.
"Exemption has been given as per the Delhi Motor Vehicle Rules that has exempted Sikh women from wearing helmets in Delhi," she said.
Her contention was opposed by the petitioner who has challenged the recent amendment to Rule 115(2) of the Delhi Motor Vehicle Rules that has exempted Sikh women from wearing helmets in Delhi.
However, the court reserved the judgement saying it will pass an order on a PIL challenging the exemption granted to Sikh women.
The court had earlier asked the transport department to apprise it why it has made such an amendment in Delhi Motor Vehicle Rules that exempts Sikh women from wearing a helmet.
The PIL, filed through lawyer Bhupender Pratap Singh, has said that the transport department notification, issued on August 28, was "illegal" and "unconstitutional".
