New York, USA: The New York City Council has passed a law to ban horse-drawn carriages, naming the legislation after Indian teenager Romanch Mahajan, who died in an accident involving a carriage in Central Park earlier this year.
Known as Romanch’s Law, the measure was adopted on Thursday. It honours the teenager who lost his life in June while trying to save his mother, Priya Mahajan, after the horse pulling their carriage suddenly bolted.
The family was visiting New York from India and had gone to Central Park to enjoy the sights. During the outing, the carriage driver stopped to take a photograph of the family. The horse suddenly ran off, overturning the carriage and throwing Romanch’s mother from the vehicle.
Romanch jumped after his mother in an attempt to save her, but his head struck the ground. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
The teenager had recently completed his higher secondary education at Angel’s Public School in Mamun, Pathankot. He was visiting New York with his parents and brother when the accident occurred.
Family Appeals to New Yorkers to Remember Romanch
Romanch’s uncle, Gaurav Mahajan, attended a rally outside City Hall ahead of the council vote. Supporters of the ban had gathered to demand an end to horse-drawn carriage rides in the city.
Speaking before the legislation was passed, Gaurav said the incident had highlighted the risks faced by both animals and people on busy city roads.
“True justice means recognising that these gentle, majestic horses do not belong on the congested asphalt or trapped in dangerous traffic,” he said.
He also made an emotional appeal on behalf of Romanch’s immediate family, asking New Yorkers not to forget the teenager.
“On behalf of his parents and his brother, I leave New Yorkers with one final sacred request: please do not forget Romanch,” he said.
Long Campaign Against Horse-Drawn Carriages
Animal rights activists have campaigned for years to end horse-drawn carriage rides in New York City. However, the proposal has faced opposition from carriage owners and the union representing drivers.
Romanch’s death gave fresh momentum to the campaign, bringing renewed attention to concerns over animal welfare and public safety.
City Council Speaker Julie Menin welcomed the passage of the legislation, saying the vote reflected the council’s commitment to animal welfare, public safety and worker protection.
The bill now goes to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his signature. However, the council’s strong vote means the legislation is expected to become law even if the mayor vetoes it, as the vote was sufficient to override a veto.
Romanch’s Law marks a major development in the long-running debate over horse-drawn carriages in New York. For his family, the legislation also carries the memory of a teenager who died while trying to protect his mother.