‘Perhaps we should have a waiver system’: Sanjeev Sanyal on protests against helmet rules

Sanjeev Sanyal

Protests against the mandatory wearing of helmets by two-wheeler riders have long puzzled many and now, Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, has weighed in with a sharp criticism of such demonstrations.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sanyal wrote, “One of strangest of protests, seen in several cities in India, are those against wearing of helmets by two-wheelers. It is as if the State benefits from the preservation of your head. I can never understand it. Perhaps we should have a system of waiver — so individuals can waive their right to insurance, medical help etc in return for riding helmet free.”

One of strangest of protests, seen in several cities in India, are those against wearing of helmets by two-wheelers. It is as if the State benefits from the preservation of your head. I can never understand it. Perhaps we should have a system of waiver - so individuals can waive… https://t.co/6GZUZdndgi

— Sanjeev Sanyal (@sanjeevsanyal) October 13, 2025

His remarks came in response to a recent protest in Surat, Gujarat, where members of a political party demonstrated against the mandatory helmet rule, drawing widespread criticism.

The rule, recently enforced by the Surat administration, requires all two-wheeler riders to wear helmets. On the first day of implementation, most riders complied, while the traffic police used drones to track violators and issue e-challans or spot fines.

However, defying the regulation, several protesters smashed hundreds of helmets on the streets to register their opposition. The bizarre protest — targeting a safety measure meant to protect lives — has reignited debate over public awareness, personal responsibility, and the cost of defying road safety norms.