New York City Council Votes to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages, Names Law After Indian Teen Killed in Central Park Accident
NEW YORK — The New York City Council has approved legislation banning horse-drawn carriages, naming the measure in honor of an Indian teenager who died while trying to save his mother during a carriage accident in Central Park earlier this year.
The legislation, known as Romanch’s Law, was passed Thursday in memory of Romanch Mahajan, an Indian tourist who suffered fatal injuries in June when a horse pulling his family’s carriage suddenly bolted.
Romanch was visiting New York City with his parents and brother when the accident occurred. According to accounts of the incident, the carriage driver had stopped to take a photograph of the family when the horse unexpectedly ran off, overturning the carriage.
His mother, Priya Mahajan, was thrown from the vehicle. Romanch attempted to save her but struck his head on the ground while diving toward her. 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, India.
The tragedy renewed calls from animal welfare advocates and public safety campaigners to end the city’s long-standing horse-drawn carriage industry.
Romanch’s uncle, Gaurav Mahajan, joined supporters of the proposed ban at a rally outside City Hall before Thursday’s vote.
“True justice means recognising that these gentle, majestic horses do not belong on the congested asphalt or trapped in dangerous traffic,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the teenager’s family, Mahajan urged New Yorkers to remember his nephew and the circumstances surrounding his death.
“On behalf of his parents and his brother, I leave New Yorkers with one final sacred request: please do not forget Romanch”, he said.
City Council Speaker Julie Menin described the legislation as a significant step toward improving public safety and animal welfare while addressing concerns involving carriage industry workers.
“Our landmark vote to pass Romanch’s Law is a demonstration of this Council’s commitment to animal welfare, public safety, and worker protection,” Menin said.
Horse-drawn carriages have long been a familiar sight around Central Park, attracting tourists while generating years of controversy over animal welfare and traffic safety.
Animal rights organizations have repeatedly pushed for restrictions or a complete ban, arguing that busy city streets expose horses, passengers and pedestrians to unnecessary dangers.
Carriage owners and the union representing drivers have opposed such proposals, citing the industry’s economic importance and the livelihoods of workers who depend on it.
The death of Romanch Mahajan added urgency to the debate and helped build political support for the legislation.
The measure now heads to Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his signature. Even if the mayor declines to approve it, the legislation received enough votes to withstand a veto, clearing the way for the ban to become law.
For Romanch’s family, the legislation represents an effort to prevent another tragedy while preserving the memory of a teenager whose attempt to protect his mother ended in his death.
