Rules prohibiting women in saree riding pillion in the offing

Kochi, Aug 23 (PTI) Concerned over the rising number of two wheeler accidents, the Kerala High Court has suggested an amendment in the Motor Vehicles Act and Rules, prohibiting women in sarees from riding pillion on two wheelers.

A division bench, comprising Justices C N Ramachandran Nair and V K Mohanan made the suggestion when an appeal filed by a woman who met with an accident while riding pillion camebefore them for consideration.

The court pointed out that women wearing sarees cannot sit astride on the rear seat of a two wheeler. They sit facing one side, with legs projecting outside, leading to accidents. When the vehicle falls on potholes or negotiates a sharp curve,women sitting sideways may fall down, the court said.

Such mishaps can be prevented by making provisions in the Motor Vehicles Act and Rules, making it compulsory for pillionriders to sit astride on the vehicle.

Though this involves virtual prohibition of wearing of sarees by women riding pillion, such restriction is reasonableas it is to prevent accidents, which is in public interest.

The bench observed that it is possible to permit a childbeing carried in a two wheeler, besides the two riders.

However, there should be absolute prohibition in allowing morethan one child to travel on two wheelers, they said.

The court suo-motu impleaded the Centre and state government in the case and directed them to consider the matter urgently and inform the court on the concrete stepsbeing taken.

Both Centre and state government have also been asked tofile a detailed reply within six weeks time.