At a time when reports of heavy fines being imposed on motorists have started flooding from various parts of the country ever since the newly-amended Motor Vehicles Act came into effect earlier this month, a Gujarat man's story of escaping hefty fine for riding a two-wheeler without wearing helmet has captured the attention of social media.
Zakir Mamon, a fruit shop owner in Bodeli town in Chhota Udaipur district, was recently stopped by the traffic cops after they noticed him riding a bike without wearing a helmet. However, his excuse left the officers confused. Later they decided not to penalise him.
Zakir's head is so big that he has not been able to find a helmet in the market that can fit on his head.
Zakir asserts that he respects the law and wants to follow it. “I keep all relevant documents with me but as far as helmet is concerned, I am helpless. I have told the police about my unique problem," he was quoted as saying by News18.com.
Vasant Rathva, Assistant-Sub-Inspector, Traffic Branch, Bodeli town, said Zakir's was a unique case. “He is a law-abiding person and keeps all relevant documents while driving,” Rathva said.
The amended MV Act has already run into a controversy with several states expressing inability to enforce it.
Last week, the BJP-led Gujarat government announced a reduction in fines, with Chief Minister Vijay Rupani saying “the base rate for the fines will be lower than the one proposed by the union government”.
