Wearing of helmet optional for Sikh women in Chandigarh: MHA

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday made wearing of helmet by Sikh women optional in Chandigarh.

"The Union Territory administration of Chandigarh has been advised that it may be made optional for Sikh women, riding a two wheeler or sitting pillion, to wear protective head gear, as per the extant practice in Delhi," the Home Ministry said.

Last week, MHA had advised the Chandigarh administration to exempt Sikh women from wearing protective headgear while driving two wheelers in Chandigarh. The following decision had come after Sikh bodies, led by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal made a representation to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

On October 11, the Home ministry had stated that it has directed the Chandigarh administration to implement an amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act that was carried out by the Delhi government. That amendment had exempted Sikh women from wearing helmets while riding two-wheelers.