Hyderabad Police Liberal on Helmet Rule Due to Chain Snatchings!

Hyderabad: The city police are not that strict when it comes to implementing helmet rule when compared to other metros in the country.They conduct checks here and there some times, especially during the month end, and leave the offenders after collecting fines - typically between Rs100 and Rs300. Though the rule is in effect for several years, the government issues notices every now and then to implement helmet rule strictly. Not many people give heed to those notices. And the situation remains the same forever.

Why are the police not very strict on implementation of helmet rule?

Because, if all people wear helmets, it will be difficult for the police to catch chain snatchers. That's what the special prosecutor of Telangana government stated before the High Court. "How come," the court was rather shocked. "Just because one or two miscreants are snatching chains wearing helmets, you can't take this excuse!" A division bench comprising the Chief Justice Dilip B. Bosale and Justice SV Bhatt said it is ridiculous. The judges asked the prosecutor A. Sanjeev Kumar whether he believed the reason a genuine one. He said, "No your honor, but it is the reason given by the police."

The bench was hearing a public interest litigation filed by one Udathaneni Rama Rao of Ranga Reddy district seeking direction to implement the helmet rule. Before adjourning the case to January 21, the judges expressed dissatisfaction over the way the helmet rule is being implemented. They opined that if the fine is more than the cost of helmet, the bike riders would rather buy a helmet than pay the penalty. Under the Central Motor Vehicles Act, the penalty for not wearing helmet should not exceed Rs300. "But we don't see often any checking on the violators of this rule," judges said.