NEW DELHI, Aug. 15 -- This morning as I looked out of my window, I saw a scooterist skidding. No pleasant sight as the bike rattled like a helpless animal and the rider fell heavily to the ground. Luckily, he was wearing a helmet, but the box he was carrying in the rear flew in the air, and burst open as it hit the ground.

Horror stricken, I wondered, had it been a pillion rider, what could have happened?

Two months ago, the Maharashtra government decided to enforce the rule that it was mandatory for a pillion to wear a helmet. This month, with a new government and a new police chief, they've decided to go 'slow' on the rule.

"It's quite a nuisance" it was quoted, "To carry two helmets!"

I could write a couple of columns on the 'nuisa...