Section 129 Motor Vehicles Act '88

Wearing of Protective Headgear: Every person driving or riding otherwise than in a side car, on a motor cycle of any class or description, shall, while in a public place, wear protective headgear conforming to the standards of Bureau of Indian Standards: Provided that the provisions of this section shall not apply to a person who is a sikh, if he is, while driving or riding on the motorcycle, in a public place, wearing a turban: Provided further that the state government may, by such rules, provide for such exceptions as it may think fit.

Explanation: 'Protective headgear' means a helmet which :-
a) By virtue of its shape, material and construction, could reasonably be expected to afford to the person driving or riding on a motorcycle a degree of protection from injury in the event of an accident; and
b) Is securely fastened to the head of the wearer by means of straps or other fastenings provided on the headgear.