In a speedy U-turn, Andhra's much hyped 'compulsory helmet' rule was withdrawn within six hours of its implementation on Sunday.
According to reports, hundreds of RTA and police officials took to the streets during the early hours of Sunday and fined thousands of motorists who did not wear helmets.
However, this triggered an outrage among motorists, following which transport minister Sidda Raghava Rao stepped in and directed the officials to put the rule on hold.
Many places began witnessing heated scenes after authorities began booking cases, imposing penalties and warning that vehicles would be seized and driving licenses would be cancelled.
A Times of India report adds that, the transport minister cited shortage of helmets as reason behind the sudden U turn, while adding that "We will try to create awareness among the bikers before enforcing the rule. We can't make everything mandatory even it is in the interest of the people."
The state government has been trying to implement the helmet rule for around three months now and had earlier postponed the date to November 1 after two-wheeler owners alleged that helmet outlets were exploiting the customers due to a shortage of helmets.
The transport minister did not indicate any time frame as to when the rule would be firmly implemented again.