The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of India issues draft rules to make it mandatory for car makers to install alarm system for rear seat belts. The last date for public comments on draft rules is October 5.
The tragic death of Indian businessman Cyrus Mistry in an automobile accident led to widespread calls for car makers to implement a rear seatbelt law. Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, had previously said that failure to wear a seat belt while driving will result in a fine. This announcement came two days after Mistry’s death.
The accident occurred when Mistry was returning from the Parsi pilgrim of Udvada in Gujarat, with Dr Anahita Pundole, her husband Darius Pundole, and brother-in-law Jehangir Pandole. Mistry and Jehangir lost their lives on the spot, while Anahita and Darius were severely injured.