Sheekha Bureau
Port Blair, June 17: Several sections of society in Andaman and Nicobar Islands have expressed concern over the move of Andaman Administration to make Helmet mandatory for pillion riders in these Islands.
Hundreds of people have already been challaned by police, even during the brief period when, due to heavy demand, helmets were not available in Andaman market, soon after Helmet was made mandatory.
On one hand according to Andaman and Nicobar Police wearing helmet for two wheeler rider and pillion rider is mandatory as per section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Rule 114 of A & N Islands Motor Vehicle Rules, 2006 and in compliance of the direction of Supreme Court, on the other hand some sections of Andaman Society are expressing concern over this issue.
Recently the Convener of Aam Aadmy Party, Mr. Sanjay Meshak wrote a letter to Lt. Governor on this issue and said that MV Act is not followed in true spirit in Andaman. He pointed out MV Act violation by truck and bus drivers and even government vehicle and said that if Helmet is made mandatory as per MV Act then why other violators have been given immunity.
Here another section of Andaman Society is spreading messages in social media and demanding support for a protest rally they have organized tomorrow at 11 am.
However, a big question remains whether a protest rally won’t be contempt of Supreme Court, regarding a recent direction on Helmet for pillion rider. When questioned, one of the organizer, Mr. Harris Anselm replied that Supreme Court had only given recommendation and not order.
Meanwhile, there are many in Andaman who have openly welcomed the move of Andaman and Nicobar Administration, even social media is also flooded with messages in support of this new direction. “This is for our own safety, what is the harm in wearing helmet by pillion rider?” questioned an Islander in Social Messaging app, WhatsApp.
Here, some helmet selling shops are witnessing good sale as more and more people are coming to their shop everyday to get new helmet.
The move of Administration will certainly save many lives in Andaman and ultimately it will benefit public but concerns expressed by general public should also be atleast heard by the Administration. After all every Indian has right to express their views and concerns.
