HC issues notices to two-wheeler manufacturers

Mumbai, Feb 27 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today issued notices to two-wheeler manufacturers in Maharashtra and Automobile Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune, on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to implement certain provisions in Central Motor Vehicle rules, which makes safety handle for pillion riders and half covering of rear wheel mandatory.

Assistant Public Prosecutor Poornima Kantharia, who was appointed as a Court Commissioner to inspect Bajaj-make two wheelers, today submitted her report to a division bench comprising Justices Bilal Nazki and Sharad Bobade.

She has found right side of most of two wheelers is covered partly by silencer and nothing else, whereas saree guard was found attached on left side in all the vehicles, she noted.

The matter now stands adjourned for two weeks to enable petitioner, Gyanprakash, to implead other two wheeler manufactures and certifying oganisation ARAI as party respondents.

Gyanprakash, a resident from Uttar Pradesh, has moved the high court, saying Maharashtra accounts for the largest -- 15.1 per cent of all nationwide two wheeler accidents and nearly 2,439 presons die every year in such accidents in the state.

He has also contended that rule 123 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules makes safety handle for pillion rider and covering for rear wheel, at least half, mandatory but these provisions were not followed by manufacturers.

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