Special Report
Editorial
Op-Ed
Opinion
Columns

Politics
Literature
Music
Art & Culture
Sikh Religion
Rights
1984
Books
Education
Business

Entertainment
Lifestyle
Travel
Health
Heritage
Sports
Kids Corner

Panjab
India
Pakistan
South Asia
US of A
Canada
Asia-Pacific
UK
Europe
Middle East
Africa
World
 

Archives
Newsletter
Advertise

Obituaries

Feedback
Contact Us
About Us
Site Map

Bangalore Sikh rider asked to pay fine for not wearing helmet
WSN Network

BANGALORE: Sikh drivers outside the state of Punjab, particularly in southern Indian states, continue to face harassment over wearing of helmet even though the community's voice is heard only when a western nation authroties raise a finger at the turban. The traffic police in Karnataka have sent a Sikh, Harneet Singh Sabharwal, a letter asking him to pay a fine of Rs 100 for not wearing a helmet while riding a two-wheeler.

What they have forgotten is that the Motor Vehicles Act exempts Sikhs from wearing any protective headgear because of their turbans. Additional commissioner of police (traffic and security) K C Ramamurthy said he needed to check the rulebook to see if Sikhs in Karnataka — where the helmet rule is compulsory — are exempt.

“It is not compulsory to wear a helmet in all states. I will check the Karnataka rulebook to see what it says,” Ramamurthy said.

For the record, the Karnataka authorities seem to be acting fairly as the police officer said he would send a circular to the department if an exemption existed. “Even if it does not, I will write to the state government asking for the exemption. We do not want to hurt anyone’s religious sentiments,” he said.

He promised to look in the matter if Harneet got in touch with him.

But what is surprising is that it should have been clear that under the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, that is applicable to every state in India, all Sikhs are exempt. Syed Shafi Ahmed, secretary, Regional Transport Authority, too said the rule did not apply to Sikhs. “Since they wear turbans, it is obviously impossible for them to wear a helmet on top of that,” he explained.

But Harneet said this was not the first time he was charged for not wearing a helmet.

Other Sikhs have also faced this problem, especially around malls such as The Forum and Bangalore Central.

“I have been riding my bike for a year, but the constables just refuse to understand that I cannot wear a helmet. It’s annoying to explain the same thing every time. I get late very often too. When I am in a hurry to get to college or the Gurudwara the cops catch hold of me and expect me to pay a fine for something that is not actually an offence in my case,” said the 19-year-old.

6 February 2008
 

Bookmark with

Reddit    Yahoo     Furl    Delicious