New York City Council has passed a law banning horse-drawn carriages, named Romanch’s Law in memory of Indian teenager Romanch Mahajan, who died in a Central Park accident in June.
The law was adopted on October 22. Romanch was trying to save his mother, Priya, after a horse bolted and threw her from the carriage. He hit his head while diving after her and later died in hospital.
His uncle, Gaurav Mahajan, attended a rally outside City Hall ahead of the vote, urging New Yorkers not to forget Romanch and arguing that horses should not be exposed to congested roads and dangerous traffic.
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin said Romanch’s Law reflected the city’s commitment to animal welfare, public safety and worker protection.
Animal rights activists had campaigned for years to ban horse-drawn carriages, facing opposition from carriage owners and drivers’ unions. Romanch’s death renewed calls for the ban. The bill now awaits Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s decision, though the council could override a veto.
Romanch, who had recently completed his higher secondary education at Angel’s Public School in Mamun, Pathankot, was visiting New York with his family. During a Central Park carriage ride, the horse bolted while the driver stopped to take their photograph, overturning the carriage. Romanch suffered fatal injuries while trying to save his mother.
