Indore: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has reserved its verdict on two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) challenging the Indore Collector’s order that prohibits petrol pumps from dispensing fuel to two-wheeler riders without helmets, effective from August 1. The bench comprising Justice Vivek Rusia and Justice B.K. Dwivedi heard the matter extensively on Monday, balancing citizen concerns with road safety imperatives.
Petitioners Question Legal Basis, Practicality of the Order
The petitioners, Advocate Ritesh Inani, President of the High Court Bar Association, and Advocate Pankaj Wadhwani, argued that the order is not legally tenable under the Motor Vehicle Act and poses practical hardships for the public.
“There’s no legal provision that mandates denying petrol for not wearing helmets. The traffic in the city center is slow-moving. In such areas, helmets are not necessary,” argued the petitioners.
They also contended that the city lacks the infrastructure and supply to support such a rule. “There aren’t enough helmets in the market to meet the sudden surge in demand,” the counsel added.
Court Emphasizes Life Over Law
The bench took a firm stance in favor of road safety. Responding to the argument that the rule causes inconvenience, the court remarked:
“When people buy a mobile phone, they immediately install a screen guard. Why not invest similarly in saving your life?”
The court noted that government departments have already begun enforcing the rule, and even the High Court may implement the helmet mandate for its staff and visitors. The bench also dismissed the idea that such rules were authoritarian or disruptive, saying:
“If there’s a risk of unrest, the order can be withdrawn even at midnight. The Collector has not issued this for amusement.”
Public Sentiment, Festivals Cited as Challenges
Petitioners highlighted that the next two months are packed with major festivals such as Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Navratri, and the helmet requirement may cause inconvenience for people managing both passengers and festival-related goods.
The court acknowledged the point but reiterated that public safety takes precedence. In a particularly stark example, the judges mentioned observing five people on a single two-wheeler, including a child, with no one wearing helmets right outside the court.
“Such disregard not only endangers those on the bike but also others on the road,” the court stated.
Transport Minister and BJP Leaders Back Rule, Seek Awareness Measures
Transport Minister Uday Pratap Singh supported the Collector’s order, stating that life-saving measures aren’t always spelled out in law.
“The law cannot cover everything. Wearing a helmet saves lives. Awareness, not just enforcement, is critical,” he said, adding that 98% of accident-related deaths could be avoided with helmets.
Meanwhile, BJP City President Sumit Mishra, Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava, and other party leaders met with Collector Ashish Singh and requested some relaxation for the poor and a parallel awareness campaign. The party suggested that social organizations could distribute free helmets to support the campaign’s objective without causing undue hardship.
IDA Welcomes Helmet Users with Roses
In a symbolic gesture, the Indore Development Authority (IDA) greeted helmet-wearing employees and visitors with roses at its premises, underlining the importance of positive reinforcement in behavioral change.
Court Awaits Action Plan, Focus on Road Conditions Also Sought
The petitioners also pointed to black spots, potholes, and poor road conditions as root causes of accidents and requested action on these issues. They cited recommendations from Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre, head of the Supreme Court’s Road Safety Committee, for broader reform.
The High Court has reserved its order, signaling a potential landmark decision in balancing enforcement, practicality, and public interest.
