The protests have led to disruptions in several states, including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Punjab.
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Drivers and truckers across various states in India have initiated widespread protests against the new penal law’s stringent provisions for hit-and-run cases. The Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, which replaces the Indian Penal Code, has introduced harsher penalties, leading to significant unrest among commercial vehicle operators.
Key Provisions of the New Law
Under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, drivers who cause a serious road accident due to negligent driving and flee the scene without informing the police or any administrative official can face up to 10 years in jail or a fine of ₹7 lakh. This marks a substantial increase from the previous two-year punishment stipulated in the Indian Penal Code.
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Scope and Impact of the Protests
The protests have led to disruptions in several states, including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Punjab. Key incidents include:
- Maharashtra: Truck drivers staged ‘rasta roko’ protests, leading to fuel shortages in some areas. In Thane district, protests escalated to stone-pelting, resulting in a policeman’s injury and damage to a police vehicle.
- Chhattisgarh: Over 12,000 private bus drivers went on strike, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded.
- West Bengal: Truck and commercial vehicle drivers blocked the national highway near Dankuni toll plaza, causing a two-hour traffic disruption.
- Punjab: Significant numbers of commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses, refrained from operating. Protests on the Ludhiana-Ferozepur Road and Shambhu border near Ambala disrupted traffic.
- Madhya Pradesh: Drivers staged agitations in Bhopal and Indore, affecting vehicle movement and causing long queues at petrol pumps.
Drivers’ Concerns and Demands
Drivers protesting the new law argue that accidents are often unintentional and that the threat of severe penalties puts their livelihoods at risk. They contend that factors beyond their control, such as poor visibility during fog, should not lead to harsh punishments. The All India Motor & Goods Transport Association President, Rajendra Kapoor, emphasized the need for government consultations with stakeholders, stating, “Our only demand from the government is that the decision should have been taken after having consultations with our stakeholders.”
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Government’s Response
In response to the disruptions, the Maharashtra government’s Food, Civil Supply, and Consumer Protection Department requested police intervention to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply. Transport Minister Rao Uday Pratap Singh appealed to the drivers for dialogue, asserting, “Enacting a law doesn’t mean it was made to take penal action against them.”
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Conclusion
The nationwide protests against the new hit-and-run law reflect the deep concerns of drivers and transporters over the increased penalties. The agitation underscores the need for a balanced approach that considers the drivers’ perspectives while ensuring road safety and justice for victims of hit-and-run incidents. The government’s response and potential dialogues with stakeholders will be crucial in resolving this impasse and addressing the concerns raised by the transport community.