Before I proceed with my story on the pillion rider ban on 100cc motorcycles and scooters, let me assert that I have complete faith and trust in the Indian judiciary system. However, laws like the one we discuss here make me question the sanity of some of our lawmakers. Giving effect to a court order from 2015, the Karnataka government has banned pillion riding on motorcycles and scooters with an engine size of less than 100cc. What this means is that carry a passenger on your, say, Honda Activa or Hero Dawn.
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What’s even worse is that the government hasn’t stopped at this pillion rider ban on 100cc motorcycles and scooters. It has even decided to stop registration of all two-wheelers with engine size less than 100cc. A government order says,”Not only has the registration of such vehicles which have seats for pillion rider been banned but also riding pillion on two-wheelers below 100 CC is prohibited.”
Pillion Rider Ban on 100cc Motorcycles and Scooters – The Reason
This order was given out based on a case in Karnataka High Court. The case sought compensation to Hemanth, a minor pillion rider was unfortunately crippled for life following a road mishap in March 2009. Hemanth was riding with his friend Nithin, who was riding the two-wheeler. As both of them were minors, they didn’t have a valid driving license and were completely unauthorized to ride a scooter. Sadly enough, their scooter was hit by a rashly driven car. Nithin received minor injuries but Hemanth was crippled for life due to serious head injuries.
On June 15,2015, the court issued an order on a petition by Hemanth’s parents that sought compensation for the injuries their child suffered. Court took note of several traffic rule violations in this case and directed the education, transport department and state police to prevent under-age driving/riding. So far, so good. What came across as a real shocker though was court’s order that to prevent similar situations, the transport department should stop registering vehicles below 100cc with a pillion seat. Also, it directed the authorities to not allow pillion riding on motorcycles and scooters with engine size less than 100cc.
Pillion Rider Ban on 100cc Motorcycles and Scooters – Rule 143(3) of the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Rules – 1989
As mandated under Rule 143(3) of the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Rules – 1989, there should be no provision for pillion riding in vehicles below 100cc engine. Honestly, such orders leave me flabbergasted. This order is surely as meaningless as it can get. In no way such as order prevents a minor from using a vehicle. Moreover, it comes as a huge blow to the manufacturers that sell two-wheelers with an engine size of less than 100cc. Let’s not forget that the growth of Indian two-wheeler industry is highly dependent on entry-level motorcycles. The Pillion Rider Ban on 100cc Motorcycles and Scooters comes across as totally meaningless and absurd.
Instead of coming up with such orders, the lawmakers should rather make sure to curb under-age riding by making sure that the traffic laws are strictly adhered to. Also, it should issue clear directives to parents and schools to educate minors on the harms of under-age riding/driving. What are your views on Karnataka High Court’s Pillion Rider Ban on 100cc Motorcycles and Scooters? Don’t you think such a law is totally absurd? Share your views with us by penning them in the comments section below.
via Times of India
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