Yesterday, a day after the official 'commencement' of the compulsory wearing of helmets for motorcyclists and pillion riders in cities across Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi directed that the rule not be implemented 'very vigorously'.
The directive, which, officials said, was intended to prevent harassment of the public, comes in the wake of continued opposition to the rule. Parties have appealed to the Government to exempt women from wearing helmets. A lawyers' forum in Madurai has threatened to take out a 'helmetless' two-wheeler rally demanding that the new rule be rescinded. There is also widespread opposition to mandatory helmets for pillion riders.
After going through representations, the Chief Minister, said the general order regarding the compulsory use of helmets should be regarded as a requirement of the Madras High Court and a life-saving measure. However, he ordered that the authorities should not put the general public to any kind of hardship by way of 'vigorously' enforcing the general order.
Somehow I just don't think this new regulation is even going to work even in Chennai and other metros let alone make its way to Tiruvannamalai!
