New Delhi: The agitation by nationwide truckers has been called off after the government assured that it would consult stakeholders before implementing a contentious law addressing hit-and-run cases. Following lengthy discussions with the government, the All-India Motor Transport Congress decided to end the protest.
“We had a discussion with All India Motor Transport Congress representatives. The government wants to clarify that the new rule has not been enforced yet. We want to emphasize that before implementing Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita 106/2, we will have a discussion with All India Motor Transport Congress representatives, and only then will a decision be made,” stated Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla.
“The new laws haven’t been enforced. They will be enforced only after a discussion with the All India Transport Congress,” confirmed Bal Malkit, the president of the AIMTC’s core commission.
The controversy revolves around Section 106(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS), set to replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, which had provisions for strict penalties in hit-and-run cases. The truckers had threatened to launch a nationwide strike, causing concerns about energy and essential goods shortages.
Protests were widespread across various states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, Punjab, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
Under the new law, hit-and-run cases could lead to up to 10 years in jail and a fine of ₹7 lakh, as opposed to the current penalty of up to a two-year jail term and a lighter fine. The maximum punishment of 10 years applies in cases where the offender has caused a death through reckless driving and fled without reporting the incident to the police.
Truckers, taxi drivers, and other operators of commercial vehicles are expressing concerns about how they would afford such a steep fine in case of an accident.
Experts have raised issues about the potential misuse of the law, the reporting process given the risk of public anger, and the kind of evidence that will be deemed acceptable in case of a dispute.
What does the new law on hit-and-run cases say?
Under the new law, which replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, motorists who cause a serious road accident by careless driving and flee without informing the police or any official from the administration can face punishment of up to 10 years or a fine of Rs 7 lakh.
“Whoever causes the death of any person by doing any rash or careless act not amounting to culpable homicide, shall be penalized with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to a fine,” according to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Why are truck, bus, and tanker drivers protesting against it?
According to a report by ANI, private transport drivers have claimed that the law discourages motorists and may lead to unjust punishments. They also claim that the motorists could be subject to mob violence when they try to transport the injured to hospitals and demand the repeal of the law, the report added.
Rajendra Kapoor, All India Motor & Goods Transport Association President, told ANI, “Our only demand from the government is that the decision should have been taken after having consultations with our stakeholders. There was no discussion with anyone on this, and no one was asked about this. There should have been previous meetings and consultations.”
He added, “The strike has been announced by the members of All India Motor & Goods Transport Association. There should be a discussion on this issue. A confusing situation is created now. People aren’t fully aware of the new law.”
What has been the impact of the strike?
Since Monday (January 1), protesters have blockaded roads and highways across states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. This has affected vehicle movement and energy supply.
For example, a transporters’ body on Tuesday claimed that the strike had impacted the movement of nearly five lakh vehicles in Madhya Pradesh. Long queues formed at petrol pumps across states, including Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra.
