Nationwide truck driver protests that erupted against increased penalties for ‘hit-and-run’ cases in the recently enacted BNS criminal code, have been called off. In a late evening meeting between the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), representing the trucking and transport community, and Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, concerns regarding the proposed Hit-and-Run law in the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023, have been temporarily set aside.
Following the meeting with AIMTC representatives, where transporters sought the repeal of stringent provisions, Bhalla addressed reporters, stating, "We have acknowledged the concerns among vehicle drivers regarding the 10-year punishment and fine outlined in BNS 106(2) and discussed the matter extensively with AIMTC representatives."
He emphasized, "The government clarifies that these new provisions and laws are yet to be implemented. A decision on enforcing BNS, Bharat Nyay Sanhita 106(2) will be made only after further discussions with AIMTC. We appeal to AIMTC and all vehicle drivers to resume work."
AIMTC member Amrik Singh said Tuesday evening that no strike call had been given by his union. “The drivers were protesting against the new provisions. After the meeting, the issue has been resolved,” he said.
Why the Truck Drivers Protested?
Truck drivers called nationwide protests from Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh to Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Additional demonstrations occurred in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal.
The drivers were urging the government to revoke a provision in the newly enacted Bharat Nyay Sanhita that increases the imprisonment period in hit-and-run cases from two years to ten years.
Previously, the Indian Penal Code lacked a specific provision for hit-and-run cases, and actions were taken under sections related to causing death due to negligence, carrying a maximum jail term of two years.
The transport body contended that, although they did not question the intent behind the law, concerns persisted about the lack of transparency in proper investigations and unjust accusations against certain vehicles.
AIMTC expressed that if the law isn't rolled back, a substantial number of drivers may resign.
About the New 'HIT AND RUN' Law
The new law includes a provision where a driver, if accidentally involved in an incident and promptly reports it to the police through a PCR call, may face a lesser punishment of five years imprisonment.
There exists instances where drivers flee the scene due to potential harm or mob violence. The Supreme Court has emphasized the need for strict action against drivers who recklessly cause accidents resulting in death and then flee.
Home Ministry's top officials clarified that there is confusion surrounding Section 106(2) of the Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). According to BNS, Section 106(1) stipulates a punishment of 0-5 years, whereas Section 106(2) prescribes a punishment of 0-10 years specifically in 'hit and run' cases.
Impacts of 2 Day Truck Drivers’ Protest
Since Monday, truck drivers' protests have caused panic buying and disruptions in supplies across various states. Approximately 60-70% of trucks remained off the roads for the past two days due to the protests. A significant portion of the country's approximately 1 crore truck drivers participated in the strike.
The nationwide truck drivers' strike severely disrupted the supply of petrol and diesel to retail outlets, causing depleted stocks in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Punjab. Urban areas in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad experienced fuel shortages, leading to long queues at petrol pumps. Chandigarh authorities imposed restrictions on fuel sales, allowing only two litres for two-wheelers and five litres for four-wheelers per transaction in response to the crisis.
The ongoing truckers' strike has resulted in a sudden surge in prices for vegetables, fruit, and various goods. Reports indicate a shortage of LPG, with warnings that prices may further escalate if the strike persists.
Road and Highway blockades have also occurred in various places across the country due to driver protests.
(Inputs from Agencies)
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