The Karnataka government is facing severe criticism for its rule banning pillion riders on two-wheelers below 100cc and is now planning to roll back the rule. However, the amendement may still ban pillion riders on bikes below 50cc, Bangalore Mirror reported.
A week after the state government introduced the ban, it witnessed public backlash over the order as it affected thousands of people.
As a result, the state government is set to withdraw its earlier order. A formal proposal has been sent by the state Transport Commissioner to the Karnataka government, seeking an amendment to the existing rules.
It is likely that the government will accept it, the BM report says.
Transport Minister HM Revanna, on Monday, said that there is a proposal before the state government and that it is mulling over amending the existing rules.
“The proposal aims to bring about changes to the existing rules. According to the Karnataka High Court, currently, we are not registering any vehicles below 100 cc with a seat for a pillion rider. The court gave the order after hearing a case in which a minor was killed in an accident riding on a two-wheeler below 100 cc. This rule exists only in our state and since a large part of the public is affected by it, we are thinking about changing it,“ Revanna said.
Principal secretary of the Transport Department B Basavaraju confirmed that the proposal had reached the government.
“We have received a proposal from the Transport Commissioner. Currently, the proposal is being scrutinised. It has suggested to keep the rule but only for two-wheelers below 50cc. The proposal seems practical but there are many things to consider before the rule is amended,” B Basavaraju told TNM.
He said that most of the two-wheelers in the market were of 97 or 99cc. The Transport Department will decide on the issue after consulting with the Law Department.
“Even if the state government decides to bring changes to the existing rules, it would take several months for implementation,” Basavaraju added.