Gujarat High Court helmet rule

The Gujarat High Court has mandated that all two-wheeler riders and pillion passengers in Ahmedabad must wear helmets within 15 days, addressing the dire need for improved road safety. Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal criticized the lack of compliance with helmet regulations and emphasized the transition to e-challans to ensure enforcement is not left to police discretion. The ruling arose during a Public Interest Litigation concerning a proposed flyover, with the court expanding its focus to include traffic management and the identification of accident-prone areas. Additionally, the court instructed authorities to install signage in high-risk locations and to prohibit driving on the wrong side of the road. Chief Justice Agarwal highlighted the necessity for a holistic approach to traffic management, particularly in congested areas like the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar National Highway. The court's directives aim to improve overall safety and reduce fatalities linked to poor helmet usage and traffic violations.