Disposed

State of Kerala v. Ravindran T.U

Kerala HC19 Nov 2019WA/2261/2015

Case brief

AI extract

What is this about?

The Court set aside a Government Order exempting pillion riders from wearing helmets under Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules. Held that the 2019 Amendment to Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act made the State rule inoperative and compulsory helmet use mandatory.

What did the court decide?

G.O(P) No.46/2003/Tran. dated 13.10.2003 inserting Rule 347A is set aside; respondents directed to enforce compulsory helmet usage for all riders and pillion riders.

State of Kerala Vs Ravindran T.U — Constitutional and Fundamental Rights | Kerala HC (2019)

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

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PRESENT

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THE HONOURABLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE MR.S.MANIKUMAR

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THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE A.M.SHAFFIQUE

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TUESDAY, THE 19TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 2019 / 28TH KARTHIKA, 1941

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WP(C).No.25181 OF 2010(S)

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PETITIONER/S:

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GEORGE JOHN, 230, MATHER NAGAR KOCHI - 682033.

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BY ADVS. SRI.JOY THATTIL ITTOOP SMT.RAKHI K.KUMAR

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RESPONDENT/S:

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1 THE CHIEF SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA KERALA, SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-695001

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2 THE SECRTARY, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, SECRETARIAT,, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.

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3 UNION OF INDIA REPRESENTED BY ITS

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SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT, NEW DELHI. 110001

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R1-2 BY SRI.P.SANTHOSH KUMAR,SPECIAL GOVERNMENT PLEADER

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R3 BY SRI.T.P.M.IBRAHIM KHAN, ASSISTANT SOLICITOR GENERAL OF INDIA

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THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 1911-2019, ALONG WITH WA.2261/2015, WP(C).27865/2015(G), THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:

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¶20

WP(C) Nos 25181/2010 AND 27865/2015 AND W.A 2261/2015

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

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PRESENT

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THE HONOURABLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE MR.S.MANIKUMAR

¶24

¶25

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE A.M.SHAFFIQUE

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TUESDAY, THE 19TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 2019 / 28TH KARTHIKA, 1941

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WP(C).No.27865 OF 2015

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PETITIONER/S:

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RAVINDRAN .T.U AGED 62 YEARS S/O.UNNI, THARAYIL HOUSE, PALLURUTHY, KOCHI, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, KERALA, PIN 682006

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BY ADVS. SRI.JOSEPH RONY JOSE SRI.P.K.SEBASTIAN

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RESPONDENT/S:

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1 STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY CHIEF SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 695001

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2 TRANSPORT B DEPARTMENT REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 695001

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3 TRASNPORT COMMISSIONER TRANSPORT BHAVAN, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 695001

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4 DIRECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE (POLICE CHIEF) POLICE HEADQUARTERS, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 695001

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BY SRI.P.SANTHOSH KUMAR,SPECIAL GOVERNMENT PLEADER

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THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 19-11-2019, ALONG WITH WP(C).25181/2010(S), WA.2261/2015, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:

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3 WP(C) Nos 25181/2010 AND 27865/2015 AND W.A 2261/2015

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

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PRESENT

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THE HONOURABLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE MR.S.MANIKUMAR

¶42

¶43

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE A.M.SHAFFIQUE

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TUESDAY, THE 19TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 2019 / 28TH KARTHIKA, 1941

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WA.No.2261 OF 2015

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AGAINST THE ORDER/JUDGMENT IN WPC 27865/2015 DATED 16-09-2015 OF HIGH COURT OF KERALA

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APPELLANT/S:

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1 STATE OF KERALA REPRESENTED BY CHIEF SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.695 001.

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2 TRANSPORT (B) DEPARTMENT REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.695 001.

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3 TRANSPORT COMMISSIONER TRANSPORT BHAVAN, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.695 001.

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4 DIRECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE (POLICE CHIEF) POLICE HEADQUARTERS, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM. PIN-695 001.

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BY SRI.P.SANTHOSH KUMAR,SPECIAL GOVERNMENT PLEADER

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RESPONDENT/S:

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RAVINDRAN T.U AGED 62 YEARS SON OF UNNI, THARAYIL HOUSE, PALLURUTHY, KOCHI, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT, PIN-682 006.

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R1 BY ADV. SRI.JOSEPH RONY JOSE R1 BY ADV. SRI.P.K.SEBASTIAN

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THIS WRIT APPEAL HAVING BEEN FINALLY HEARD ON 19-11-2019, ALONG WITH WP(C).25181/2010(S), WP(C).27865/2015(G), THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:

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4 WP(C) Nos 25181/2010 AND 27865/2015 AND W.A 2261/2015

“CR”

JUDGMENT

S.MANIKUMAR, C.J.

WP(C) No.27865/2015 is filed with the following reliefs:

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(i) Issue a writ of certiorari, call for records leading to Exhibit P1 G.O and quash the same and insertion of Rule 347A may be striked off;

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(ii) direct the 3^rd respondent to direct the concerned Officers under him to instruct all the pillion riders also in two wheeler to wear headgear (helmets) immediately, while they are riding and driving two wheelers on public roads;

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(iii) direct the 2^nd respondent to ensure that the pillion riders are wearing headgear (helmets) while riding on motorcycle on public places and public roads:

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(iv) direct the 3^rd respondent to file a detailed statement with regard to death of pillion riders of two wheelers in Kerala during the last 5 years;

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(v) direct the first respondent to produce the letter received from the Supreme Court Committee on road safety suggesting to issue orders to wear helmets by pillion rider also;

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(vi) grant such other reliefs as are deem just and necessary in the facts and circumstances of the case.

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2. WP(C) No.25181/2010 is filed with the following

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reliefs:

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To delcare that the amendment to the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules,1989 granting exemption to the pillion riders from wearing of protective headgears under Rule 347A of the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 is illegal and unconstitutional.

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To issue Writ of Mandamus to other appropriate Writ, Direction or Order directing the respondents to exercise their powers conferred

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WP(C) Nos 25181/2010 AND 27865/2015 AND W.A 2261/2015

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on them under the second proviso to Sec.129 of the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 in a judicial manner.

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To grant said such relief as this Honourable court may deemed fit and proper in the interest of justice.

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Government have issued G.O (P) No.46/2003/Tran.

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Dated 13^th October, 2003, by amending the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. After rule 347, following rule was inserted:

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“347 A Exemption from wearing of protective headgear. – Any person riding on a motor cycle other than the driver thereof, need not wear a protective headgear”.

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Said Government Order has been stayed by a learned Single Judge of this Court, which resulted in filing of W.A No.2261/2015. Inasmuch as the issue involved in Writ Appeal and other Writ Petitions relate to wearing of protective headgear, on 14^th November, 2019, we passed the following order:

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“WP(C) No.25181/2010 has been filed challenging Rule 347A of the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 granting exemption to the pillion riders from wearing the headgear.

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2. Rule 347A of the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 reads

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thus:

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“ 347A . Exemption from wearing of protective headgear. Any person riding on a motor cycle other than the driver thereof, need not wear a protective headgear.”

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Said rule is stated to have been framed in exercise of the powers conferred under the second proviso to Section 129 of the Motor

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WP(C) Nos 25181/2010 AND 27865/2015 AND W.A 2261/2015

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Vehicles Act, 1988.

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3. For brevity, Section 129 of the Act is extracted under:“ 129 . Wearing of protective headgear.—Every person driving or riding (otherwise than in a side car, on a motor cycle of any class or description) shall, while in a public place, wear [protective headgear conforming to the standards of Bureau of Indian Standards]:

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Provided that the provision of this section shall not apply to a person who is a Sikh, if he is, while driving or riding on the motor cycle, in a public place, wearing a turban:

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Provided further that the State Government may, by such rules, provide for such exceptions as it may think fit.

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Explanation.—”Protective headgear” means a helmet which,—

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(a) by virtue of its shape, material and construction, could reasonably be expected to afford to the person driving or riding on a motor cycle a degree of protection from injury in the event of an accident; and

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(b) is securely fastened to the head of the wearer by means of straps or other fastenings provided on the headgear.”

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4. On the aspect stay of the impugned Rule 347A, after hearing the learned counsel for the parties, writ court in WP(C) No.27865/15 passed the following order on 16^th September, 2015:-

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“ xxx

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3. Rule 347 A of the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules as amended is in direct conflict with Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The 'exceptions' made mention in the second proviso to Section 129 of the Act concerns the applicability to persons who are sick or belonging to a particular community like 'Sikhs'. The main body of Section 129 of the Act itself stipulates that every person

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WP(C) Nos 25181/2010 AND 27865/2015 AND W.A 2261/2015

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driving or 'riding' a motor cycle shall wear a protective headgear.

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4. The State Government as early as in the year 2003 undertook to enforce Section 129 of the Act with all vigour. This is discernible from the Full Bench decision in Narayanan Nair v. State of Kerala (2003 (3) KLT 676). But the State Government by Ext.P1 notification has acted in contravention by inserting Rule 347A in the Rules. Ext.P1 notification amending the Rules to the above effect is prima facie bad in law.

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5. The operation of Ext.P1 notification by which Rule 347A was introduced in the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules is hereby stayed until further orders.”

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5. Being aggrieved by the interim order made in WP(C) No.27865/15, State of Kerala and others have filed WA No.2261/15. Record of proceedings in WA No.2261/15 shows that a Hon'ble Division Bench of this Court (to which one of us is a party, (Hon'ble Mr.Justice A.M.Shaffique) passed an order dated 16^th October 2015 directing joint hearing of WP(C) No.27865/15 and WA No.2261/15.

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6. On this day, when the matter came up for further hearing, inviting the attention of this court to the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, (No.32/2019), w.e.f. 9^th August, 2019, Sri.P.Santhosh Kumar, Special Government Pleader submitted that the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 has undergone amendment to several sections and with reference to Section 129 of the Principal Act, 1988, the following has been substituted:-

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“44. For section 129 of the principal Act, the following section shall be substituted, namely:—

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‘129. Every person, above four years of age, driving or riding or being carried on a motorcycle of any class or description shall, while in a public place, wear protective headgear conforming to such standards as may be prescribed by the Central

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¶107

WP(C) Nos 25181/2010 AND 27865/2015 AND W.A 2261/2015

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Government:

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Provided that the provisions of this section shall not apply to a person who is a Sikh, if, while driving or riding on the motorcycle, in a public place, he is wearing a turban:

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Provided further that the Central Government may by rules provide for measures for the safety of children below four years of age riding or being carried on a motorcycle.

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Explanation.— “Protective headgear” means a helmet which,— (a) by virtue of its shape, material and construction, could reasonably be expected to afford to the person driving or riding on a motorcycle a degree of protection from injury in the event of an accident; and

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(b) is securely fastened to the head of the wearer by means of straps or other fastenings provided on the headgear.”

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7. Thus, in the light of the Amendment Act, 2019 (No.32/19), which has come into force from 9^th August, 2019, State Government can no longer be said to have the power to make any exceptions, as provided earlier u/s 129 of 1988 Act. Consequent to the amendment made in the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 and taking note of Article 254(2) of the Constitution of India, there is a clear repugnancy between said rules and the present Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. For brevity, Article 254(2) of the Constitution of India is reproduced:

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“ Art.254(2) Where a law made by the Legislature of a State with respect to one of the matters enumerated in the concurrent List contains any provision repugnant to the provisions of an earlier law made by Parliament or an existing law with respect to that matter, then, the law so made by the Legislature of such State shall, if it has been reserved for the consideration of the President and has received his assent, prevail in that State:

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Provided that nothing in this clause shall prevent Parliament from enacting at any time any law with respect to the same

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¶117

WP(C) Nos 25181/2010 AND 27865/2015 AND W.A 2261/2015

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matter including a law adding to, amending, varying or repealing the law so made by the Legislature of the State.”

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8. Though there is stay of Rule 347A of the Kerala Motor

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Vehicles Rules, judicial notice can be taken that pillion riders are not wearing headgears. State Government shall respond to the above by 19/11/2019, failing which, appropriate orders will have to be issued on the basis of the legal position.

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Post on 19/11/2019 in the admission list. Government Pleader shall communicate the order forthwith.”

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Pursuant to the directions, Writ Petition Nos

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25181/2010 and 27865/2015 have been posted today along with W.A No.2261/2015. On instructions, Sri.P.Santhosh Kumar, learned Special Government Pleader for motor vehicles submitted that W.A No.2261/2015, may be dismissed as withdrawn. Inviting the attention of this Court to proceedings issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Road Transports and Highways, New Delhi, dated 12^th March, 2019 addressed to the Chief Secretary, Puduchery Administration, Sri.P.Santhosh Kumar, learned Special Government Pleader for motor vehicles submitted that instructions are issued to carry out enforcement drive that all persons driving or riding two wheeler vehicles to wear protective headgear (helmet) conforming to such standards as may be prescribed by the Central Government.

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Heard Sri.Joy Thattil Ittoop, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner in WP(C) 25181/2010, Sri.P.K.Sebastian, learned

¶125

¶126

WP(C) Nos 25181/2010 AND 27865/2015 AND W.A 2261/2015

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counsel appearing for the petitioner in WP(C) 27865/2015 and Sri.P.Santhosh Kumar, learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the State in W.ANo.2261/2015.

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For the reasons contained in order dated 14^th November, 2019 in W.A 2261/2015 and for other reasons contained in Writ Petition Nos 25181/2010 and 27865/2015 respectively, G.O(P) No.46/2003/Tran. dated 13.10.2003 amending the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, has to be set aside as inoperative by virtue of amendment to Sec.129 of the Kerala Motor Vehicles Act.

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Sri.P.Santhosh Kumar, learned Special Government Pleader for motor vehicles submitted that, instructions would be issued in the form of a circular to all the Regional Transport Authorities, law and enforcement Agencies and others, for effective implementation of the Central enactment, ie., Sec.129 of the Kerala Motor Vehicles Act.

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For the reasons contained in order dated 14^th November, 2019 and for other grounds in Writ Petition Nos 25181/2010 and 27865/2015, G.O(P) No.46/2003/Tran. dated 13.10.2003 inserting rule 347A in the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules,1989 granting exemption to pillion riders in wearing headgear (helmet) is inoperative and consequently invalid.

¶131

¶132

WP(C) Nos 25181/2010 AND 27865/2015 AND W.A 2261/2015

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In the result, impugned G.O(P) No.46/2003/Tran. dated 13.10.2003 inserting rule 347A of the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules is set aside. Sri.P.Santhosh Kumar, learned Special Government Pleader seeks time to issue the circular, as stated supra, and also to make enforcement drive so as to enable the riders as well as the pillion riders to wear headgear (helmet). Respondents are directed to initiate and complete the above said exercise, as expeditiously as possible and wearing of helmet should be done compulsorily in respect of riders and pillion riders.

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Accordingly, Writ Appeal and Writ Petitions are disposed of as above.

Sd/-

S.MANIKUMAR

CHIEF JUSTICE

Sd/-

A.M.SHAFFIQUE

JUDGE

SKS/20.11.2019

WP(C) Nos 25181/2010 AND 27865/2015 AND W.A 2261/2015

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APPENDIX OF WP(C) 25181/2010

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PETITIONER'S/S EXHIBITS:

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P1- True copy of the judgment dated 7.8.2003

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P2-true copy of the judgment in the contempt case (c) 822/07 dated 20.6.07

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P3- a copy of the Newspaper report came up on Malayala Manorama daily Newspaper dated 21.8.08

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P3(a)- A free English translation of Ext P3.

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P4- A true copy of the interim order dated 9.7.2009 in CCC No.777 of 2009

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P5-A true copy of the interim direction dated 19.8.2009 in CCC No.777 of 2009

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P6-A true copy of the report filed by the first respondent in CCC No.777 of 2009

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P7-Kerala Gazette Notification No.G.O(P)

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No.46/2003/Trans dated 13.10.2003.

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¶156

WP(C) Nos 25181/2010 AND 27865/2015 AND W.A 2261/2015

¶157

APPENDIX OF WP(C) 27865/2015

¶158

PETITIONER'S/S EXHIBITS:

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EXHIBIT P1	P1:TRUE COPY OF THE GOVERNMENT ORDER GO(P) NO.46/2003/TRAN DATED 13TH OCTOBER 2003
EXHIBIT P2	P2:TRUE COPY OF JUDGMENT OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT REPORTED IN 2000 KHC 823 REPORTED IN DR. JOSEPH MANADAN AND ANOTHER V.TRANSPORT COMMISSIONER, GOVERNMENT OF KERALA, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM AND OTHERS
EXHIBIT P3	P3:TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT OF THE FULL BENCH OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT DATED 07.08.2003 REPORTED IN 2003 KHC 1171 NARAYANAN NAIR V STATE OF KERALA
EXHIBIT P4	P4:TRUE COPY OF PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN THE MALAYALA MANORAMA DAILY DATED 23.06.2015
EXHIBIT P5	P5:TRUE COPY OF PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN THE MATHRUBHOOMI DAILY DATED 30.06.2015
EXHIBIT P6	P6:TRUE COPY OF PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN THE MALAYALA MANORAMA DAILY DATED 09.07.2015
EXHIBIT P7	P7:TRUE COPY OF PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN THE MATHRUBHOOMI DAILY DATED 03.07.2015
EXHIBIT P8	P8:TRUE COPY OF PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN THE MALAYALA MANORAMA DAILY DATED 22.07.2015
EXHIBIT P9	P9:TRUE COPY OF PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN THE MATHRUBHOOMI DAILY DATED 24.07.2015
EXHIBIT P10	P10::TRUE COPY OF PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN THE MATHRUBHOOMI DAILY DATED 08.08.2015
EXHIBIT P11	P11:TRUE COPY OF PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN DESABHIMANI DAILY DATED 10.08.2015
EXHIBIT P12	P12:TRUE COPY OF THE PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN THEJUS DAILY DATED 12.08.2015
EXHIBIT P13	P13:TRUE COPY OF PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN THE MATHRUBHOOMI DAILY DATED 17.08.2015
EXHIBIT P14	P14:TRUE COPY OF PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN

¶160

¶161

WP(C) Nos 25181/2010 AND 27865/2015 AND W.A 2261/2015

¶162

	THE MATHRUBHOOMI	DAILY DATED 18.08.2015
EXHIBIT P15	P15:TRUE COPY OF THE MATHRUBHOOMI	PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN DAILY DATED 19.08.2015
EXHIBIT P16	P16:TRUE COPY OF THE MATHRUBHOOMI	PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN DAILY DATED 22.08.2015
EXHIBIT P17	P17:TRUE COPY OF THE MALAYALA MAN 23.08.2015	PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN ORAMA DAILY DATED
EXHIBIT P18	P18:TRUE COPY OF THE MATHRUBHOOMI	PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN DAILY DATED 27.08.2015
EXHIBIT P19	P19:TRUE COPY OF THE MALAYALA MAN 03.09.2015	PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN ORAMA DAILY DATED
EXHIBIT P20	P20:TRUE COPY OF THE MATHRUBHOOMI	PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN DAILY DATED 05.09.2015
EXHIBIT P21	P21:TRUE COPY OF THE MALAYALA MAN 15.06.2015	PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN ORAMA DAILY DATED
EXHIBIT P22	P22:TRUE COPY OF THE MATHRUBHOOMI	PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN DAILY DATED 11.09.2015
EXHIBIT P23	P23:TRUE COPY OF THE DESABHIMANI	PAPER REPORT APPEARED IN DAILY DATED 07.07.2015
EXHIBIT P24	P24:TRUE COPY OF IN TIME OF INDIA	THE PAPER REPORT APPEARED DAILY DATED 04.09.2015

State of Kerala v. Ravindran T.U

Case brief

What is this about?

What did the court decide?

State of Kerala v. Ravindran T.U

Case brief

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