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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SC slams freebies culture, says states should open avenues for employment
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Thursday slammed the freebies culture, saying it was high time to revisit such policies that hamper the country's economic development.
Taking note of the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd's plea, which proposed to provide free electricity to all irrespective of financial status of consumers, the top court said it was quite understandable if states hand-hold the poor.
“Most of the states in the country are revenue deficit states and yet they are offering such freebies” overlooking development, a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said.
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The bench said economic development of the nation gets hampered with this kind of largesse distribution and states should work to open avenues for employment instead of giving free food, cycles, electricity to all.
The top court, however, issued notice to Centre and others on the plea of the DMK government-led power distribution firm which proposes to provide free electricity.
The power firm has challenged a rule of the Electricity Amendment Rules, 2024.
“What kind of culture are we developing in India? It is understandable that as part of the welfare measure you want to provide to those who are incapable of pay the electricity charges,” the bench asked.
“But without drawing a distinction between those who can afford and those who cannot, you start distributing. Will it not amount to an appeasing policy,” the CJI asked.
The bench asked as to why the Tamil Nadu firm suddenly decided to loosen the purse strings after the electricity tariff was notified.
“The states should work to open avenues for employment. If you start giving free food from morning to evening then free cycle, then free electricity then who will work and then what will happen to the work culture,” the CJI said.
The bench said states, instead of spending on development projects, do two jobs - paying salaries and distributing such largesse.
