Romanch Law Passed to Ban Horse Carriages in New York City

New York City has taken a major step toward ending horse-drawn carriage rides. On Thursday, the City Council passed a bill that will ban these carriages. The law has been called the 'Romanch Law' after Romanch Mahajan, a teenage Indian tourist who died in a carriage accident in Central Park.

Romanch had traveled to New York with his parents and brother. During a walk through Central Park, the carriage driver stopped so the family could have their picture taken. The horse then suddenly grew uncontrollable and began to run, and the carriage overturned.

In the chaos, Romanch's mother, Priya Mahajan, fell out of the carriage. Romanch jumped after her to try to save her, but he struck his head on the ground. He died later at a hospital. The death occurred in June.

Romanch's uncle, Gaurav Mahajan, attended a rally outside City Hall that backed the ban before the vote.

He said, "Genuine justice will be achieved only when we accept that these calm and magnificent horses are not made for busy roads and hazardous traffic."

He continued, "On behalf of Romanch's parents and his brother, I ask the people of New York one final thing. Please do not forget Romanch."

Council Speaker Julie Menin described the law as a sign of the council's commitment to animal welfare, public safety and workers' safety.

Animal rights activists have sought a ban on horse-drawn carriages for many years, while carriage owner and driver unions have opposed it.

Romanch's death was a key factor in pushing the bill through. It now awaits the approval of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Yet the law will take effect even if the mayor declines to sign, because the council's support is strong enough to make a veto ineffective.