Karnataka HC asks govt to enforce mandatory helmet for kids on two-wheelers, other safety rules
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has directed the state government to start enforcing the Central Motor Vehicle (Second Amendment) Rules, 2022, which fix a maximum speed limit for two-wheelers carrying children as pillion riders and make helmets compulsory for kids.
The order was passed by a division bench of Chief Justice Prasanna B. Varale and Justice C.M. Poornachandra while hearing a public interest petition filed by Dr Archana Bhatt of Shivamogga. She had asked the court to ensure that the Transport and Police Departments strictly implement child-safety rules and make helmets and safety gear for children easily available.
The court observed that although the government has held meetings and taken some initial steps, the rules have still not been enforced on the ground. It said the state must move immediately and asked the Transport and Police Departments to begin implementation without delay.
During the hearing, government lawyers informed the court that awareness campaigns on child safety and helmet usage have already started. They also said that child helmets and safety harnesses are not yet available in adequate numbers. Manufacturers, according to the government, have sought around five to six months to finish development, testing and make these products available in the market.
Taking this into account, the High Court directed the state to ensure availability of safety equipment and fully enforce the rules at the earliest, ideally within six months.
Under the amended central rules, children below four years travelling as pillion riders must be secured to the rider using a safety harness, and must wear a proper crash helmet meant for children. The rules also cap the speed of two-wheelers carrying such children at 40 kmph.
The court disposed of the petition after issuing these instructions.
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Davanagere: Students complain to ADC after finding worm in hostel idli-sambar
Davanagere: Students of Dr B.R. Ambedkar Post-Matric Hostel at SPS Nagar on Budal Road filed a complaint with the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) after allegedly finding a worm in the idli-sambar served to them.
The students brought a plate of the food to the ADC to highlight the issue. They alleged that unhygienic items such as hair, small stones, sticks and insects are being found in the food regularly.
They also complained that neither the kitchen staff nor the hostel warden was taking the issue seriously.
Responding to the complaint, ADC Sheelvant Shivakumar assured the students that action would be taken if lapses were found. He said he would visit the hostel soon to inspect the kitchen and check whether food is being served as per the approved menu.
