Why are drivers protest? What’s the deal with the new hit-and-run law? How is it stricter than the old one?
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Brief: Now it is heard that the protest got over the Section 106(2) of Bhartiya Nyaya Samhita or BNS – which supersedes the colonial era. Indian Penal Code- had provisions against breaching the law which includes penalty and imprisonment in hit-and-run cases. Under this law, drivers will be sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment for fleeing and not reporting the case. Earlier, accused will be imprisoned up to two years under Indian Penal Code Section 304A (death by negligence).
The protest has finally been ended by following the government’s commitment to consult stakeholders before implementing any controversial law in regard to hit-and-run incidents. After an extensive discussion between the government and the All India Motor Transport Congress led this to cancel the wife agitation among truckers.
The protest got over the Section 106(2) of Bhartiya Nyaya Samhita or BNS – it is set to supersede the colonial-era Indian Penal Code – which contains provisions for strict penalty in hit-and-run cases. The truckers had threatened to hold the strike, triggering panic about shortage of fuel and other essentials.
Affirmation by the government officials:
“We had a discussion with the representatives of All India Motor Transport Congress. The government says that red-tapism on new rules has not been implemented yet. The consequences of the protest delayed the implementation of Bhartiya Nyaya Samhita (106/2), before taking any further action regarding this government will officially discuss with representatives of All India Motor Transport Congress and then will make any move ahead,” stated Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on january 3, 2024.
“The changes in laws have not been implemented yet by the government. It will be implemented only after the discussion with representatives of All India Transport Congress,” assured the chairman of the AIMTC’s core committee, Bal Malkit.
Rampant protest in states:
The protests against the new laws for hit-and-run cases were rampant across multiple states, for instance – jammu kashmir, bihar, punjab, maharashtra, madhya pradesh, himachal pradesh, and chhattisgarh and west uttar pradesh on monday.
Changes in law:
Under this new law segment, hit-and-run cases can be imprisoned up to 10 years and a fine of 7 lakh will be imposed against the current penalty of up to two-year imprisonment and a lighter fine. The maximum of 10 years of imprisonment will be implemented when a driver trampled and caused the death of a victim and also not report the case in the nearby police station.
Driver’s concern in the changes of law:
The cab drivers, truckers, and other operators of commercial vehicles are raising the voice against the law as they wouldn’t be able to pay such a huge amount in case something unfortunate happens in future as the life of a victim is a risk.
Experts warn about the possibilities of misuse of the law, the process includes profuse risk of public anger, and the nature of evidence will be acceptable in case of any dispute under any circumstances.
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