New York City Council Passes Horse Carriage Ban; Honours Indian Teen With Romanch’s Law

New York City Council passed a law on Thursday to ban horse-drawn carriages, naming it Romanch’s Law in memory of Indian teenager Romanch Mahajan, who died in a Central Park accident in June.

Romanch, who had recently completed his higher secondary education at Angel’s Public School in Mamun, Pathankot, was visiting New York with his parents and brother.

The family was enjoying Central Park when the carriage driver stopped to take their photograph. The horse suddenly bolted, overturning the carriage and throwing Romanch’s mother, Priya, from her seat. Romanch tried to save her but hit his head on the ground. He later died in hospital.

His uncle, Gaurav Mahajan, attended a rally outside City Hall before the council passed the bill. He called for safer conditions for horses and urged New Yorkers to remember his nephew.

“True justice means recognising that these gentle, majestic horses do not belong on the congested asphalt or trapped in dangerous traffic,” he said.

He added, “On behalf of his parents and his brother, I leave New Yorkers with one final sacred request: please do not forget Romanch.”

City Council Speaker Julie Menin said the vote reflected the council’s commitment to animal welfare, public safety and worker protection.

Animal rights activists have campaigned for years to end horse-drawn carriage rides, facing opposition from carriage owners and drivers’ unions. Romanch’s death renewed calls for a ban.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani must now sign the bill. However, the council’s strong vote means it can override a mayoral veto.

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