Indore (Madhya Pradesh): In a significant move to bolster road safety, all petrol pumps in Indore have been strictly instructed to refuse fuel to two-wheeler riders not wearing helmets.
The enforcement, in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines, caused confusion and commotion at several fuel stations across the city on Thursday.
According to district administration orders, the new rule will remain in force until September 29, 2025, and violators may face action under IPC Section 223. Emergency medical cases are exempted.
People borrow helmets
At multiple locations, people were seen borrowing helmets from fellow riders or swapping headgear just before reaching the fuel dispenser.
The enforcement created chaos at several pumps across the city on Thursday. At one petrol pump in Palda, customers reportedly pressured staff to fill fuel without helmets. The pump employees had to repeatedly explain the rule and defuse tensions.
Even policeman denied fuel
A video went viral on social media showing a policeman in uniform arriving at a petrol pump on a two-wheeler without wearing a helmet. Despite attempts to persuade the staff, he was denied fuel.
Following an argument Indore Petrol Dealers Association president Rajendra Vasu intervened and requested the policeman to follow the rules of district administration. The policeman eventually left without being served.
Speaking to media, Vasu stated, “Many citizens were unaware of the new rule and arrived without helmets. We are strictly following government orders. Any pump violating the directive will be fined ₹5,000, so we’re not taking any risks.”
Collector defends move
Collector Ashish Singh confirmed that the directive followed complaints of fuel being dispensed to helmetless riders, a clear violation of safety norms.
“This action is in public interest, aimed at ensuring road safety and reducing traffic-related incidents. From today onwards, even government officials on two-wheelers are not exempted—they too must wear helmets,” Singh emphasised.
Congress over helmet rule
Neelabh Shukla, State Spokesperson, Madhya Pradesh Congress said,"The administration is strict about helmets denying petrol, entry into government offices, and even alcohol at liquor shops to those without helmets all in the name of public interest. But what about the public suffering due to waterlogging, potholes causing accidents, ambulances stuck in traffic, and chaotic roads? Shouldn’t the citizens be exempted from paying taxes to the municipal corporation then? Shouldn’t the corporation be fined? Will there be rules for that too, or will only one-sided administrative orders continue?"
Milkman video goes viral
In another viral moment, a middle-aged milkman arrived at Malviya Petrol Pump without a helmet. In a desperate attempt to get fuel, he used the lid of his milk can to cover his head. Despite his creativity, the staff denied service. The man later returned with a broken helmet and was allowed to refuel. The incident occurred at Malviya Petrol Pump.
