New York City Council has passed legislation to ban horse-drawn carriages, naming the measure after Indian teenager Romanch Mahajan, who died in June while trying to save his mother during an accident involving a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park.

The legislation, called Romanch’s Law, was adopted on Thursday following years of campaigning by animal rights activists who argued that horses should not be exposed to congested city traffic and potentially dangerous working conditions.

The teenager’s death gave fresh momentum to the campaign, which had faced opposition from carriage owners and the union representing drivers.

The bill now goes to Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his signature. Even if the mayor refuses to sign it, the legislation would still become law because the Council passed it with enough votes to override a veto.

Romanch’s death has turned the debate over horse-drawn carriages into a question of public safety as well as animal welfare, bringing renewed attention to the risks associated with operating horse-drawn vehicles on busy city streets.

Romanch died trying to save his mother

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 the sights of Central Park when the carriage driver stopped to take a photograph of them. The horse suddenly bolted, overturning the carriage and throwing Romanch’s mother, Priya, from the vehicle.

Romanch tried to save her by diving after her, but his head struck the ground. He was taken to hospital, where he died.

His uncle, Gaurav Mahajan, attended a rally outside City Hall organised by supporters of the proposed ban before the Council voted on the legislation.

Appealing to New Yorkers to support the measure, Gaurav said: “True justice means recognising that these gentle, majestic horses do not belong on the congested asphalt or trapped in dangerous traffic”.

Speaking on behalf of Romanch’s immediate family, he added: “On behalf of his parents and his brother, I leave New Yorkers with one final sacred request: please do not forget Romanch”.

The family’s appeal placed the teenager’s death at the centre of a debate that animal rights campaigners had pursued for years.

Council cites animal welfare and public safety

City Council Speaker Julie Menin described the passage of the legislation as a significant step towards protecting animals, the public and 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.

Animal rights activists have long sought to end the horse-carriage trade in New York City, arguing that horses should not be made to work amid heavy traffic and other urban hazards. Their campaign encountered resistance from carriage operators and the union representing drivers.

Romanch’s death provided renewed urgency to the effort, helping bring the proposed ban to a decisive vote.

The legislation’s passage marks a major development in the long-running dispute, although the next formal step is for Mayor Mamdani to sign the bill. The Council’s vote is reported to be sufficient to withstand a mayoral veto.

For Romanch’s family, the measure carries a significance beyond the regulation of a particular form of transport. The legislation bears the name of a teenager who died while trying to protect his mother, giving his death a lasting place in New York’s debate over animal welfare and public safety.

FAQs

1. What is Romanch’s Law?

Romanch’s Law is legislation passed by the New York City Council to ban horse-drawn carriages. It is named after Indian teenager Romanch Mahajan, who died in a carriage accident in Central Park.

2. How did Romanch Mahajan die?

Romanch died after a horse bolted and overturned the carriage carrying his family in Central Park. He tried to save his mother, Priya, who had been thrown from the vehicle, but struck his head on the ground and later died in hospital.

3. Who must approve Romanch’s Law?

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani must sign the bill. According to the report, the Council’s vote was sufficient to override a mayoral veto.

4. Why have activists sought a horse-carriage ban?

Animal rights activists have campaigned against horse-drawn carriages for years, citing concerns about animal welfare and the dangers of operating the vehicles in congested city traffic.

5. What did Romanch’s family say after the vote?

His uncle, Gaurav Mahajan, called for recognition of the risks to horses in city traffic and urged New Yorkers not to forget Romanch.