The Gujarat High Court, on October 8, issued a circular directing that all officers and staff members riding two-wheelers, whether as drivers or pillion riders, must wear protective helmets in accordance with safety standards prescribed under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

This directive follows observations made by the division bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranav Trivedi in connection with Writ Petition (PIL) No. 43/2024 and Writ Petition (PIL) No. 50/2024.

During a hearing on September 27, which included a suo motu PIL concerning traffic congestion in Ahmedabad, the court issued interim orders for the strict enforcement of helmet rules for two-wheeler riders. The bench also directed authorities to repair potholes on roads ahead of the upcoming Navratri festival to ensure safer travel for the public.

The circular meanwhile reads, “In view of the observations made by the Honourable Division Bench of this High Court...and the provisions of Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 read with Rule 193 of Gujarat Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 and considering the safety of the Officers and Staff members of this High Court, Hon'ble the Chief Justice has been pleased to direct that every Officer and Staff member driving two wheeler and /or pillion rider shall wear protective Headgear i.e. Helmet confirming the standards as prescribed in the aforesaid Act, henceforth.”

“The Officers and Staff members who are commuting to the High Court on two wheeler as rider and/or pillion rider shall not be permitted to enter into the premises of the High Court from any/all of the entry gates, without wearing the Helmet,” the circular further read.