A new set of criminal laws, specifically a provision addressing ‘hit-and-run’ accidents, has triggered a nationwide protest by truckers in India. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, replacing the British-era Indian Penal Code, introduced stricter measures, leading to concerns and demands for the withdrawal of the contentious law.
1. Protests and Blockades:
Truckers initiated a three-day protest against the provision related to hit-and-run accidents, disrupting highways and roads across the country. The demonstration has entered its second day, with reports of drivers refusing to operate their vehicles, causing potential shortages and panic buying at fuel stations.
2. Impact on Fuel Supply
The ongoing truckers’ protest has raised apprehensions about fuel shortages, prompting people to queue up at petrol and diesel pumps. The disruption in transportation and logistics has the potential to impact the supply chain, leading to increased concerns among the general public.
3. Understanding the New Law
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita introduced a stringent provision concerning hit-and-run accidents. According to Section 106 (2) of the law, a driver causing a person’s death through rash and negligent driving, who then flees the scene without reporting the incident to authorities, may face imprisonment of up to 10 years and/or a fine.
4. Comparison with Previous Legislation
In contrast, the old Indian Penal Code did not have a specific provision for hit-and-run cases. Cases falling under this category were previously dealt with under Section 304 A of the IPC. This section mandated a maximum jail term of two years or a fine for individuals causing death due to a rash or negligent act.
5. Truckers’ Grievances
Truck drivers argue that the new law’s stringent penalties disproportionately affect them. The fear of potential imprisonment for up to 10 years has triggered discontent among the trucking community, leading to widespread protests demanding the immediate withdrawal of the contested provision.
6. Government Response
As the protests escalate, the government faces the challenge of addressing the concerns of the truckers while upholding the intent of the new law to ensure accountability in hit-and-run cases. Striking a balance between road safety measures and addressing the grievances of the transport industry becomes crucial for resolving the current standoff.
Conclusion: The clash between the truckers and the new hit-and-run law reflects the challenges in implementing stringent legislation without causing undue distress to specific industries. As the protests continue, finding a resolution that satisfies both road safety imperatives and the concerns of the trucking community is paramount. The evolving situation demands careful deliberation and potentially revisiting aspects of the law to achieve a more balanced outcome.