Hit-and-Run Law: A wave of protests has swept across several Indian states as truck, bus, and taxi operators vehemently oppose the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) law, replacing the long-standing Indian Penal Code (IPC) provisions related to hit-and-run cases. The contentious law stipulates severe penalties, with up to 10 years of imprisonment for those who flee accident scenes without reporting the incident, a significant escalation from the previous two-year penalty under the IPC.
Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita’s Stipulations:
The BNS law specifically addresses hit-and-run cases and establishes stringent punishments for drivers involved in serious road accidents who fail to inform authorities promptly. Section 2 of the law outlines the consequences for causing death through rash or negligent acts, with imprisonment of up to five years and a fine. Notably, Section 2(2) introduces the ten-year imprisonment clause for drivers causing fatalities through negligent driving and escaping without reporting the incident to the authorities.
Protests Spark Fuel Shortages:
The protests have had cascading effects, most notably in Maharashtra, where truck drivers initiated “rasta roko” protests, obstructing traffic and raising concerns about fuel shortages. Long queues at petrol pumps in Mumbai and Nagpur were observed as people rushed to fill their vehicles amid fears of disrupted fuel supply due to the ongoing demonstrations.
Maharashtra Chaos:
Truck drivers in Maharashtra, particularly on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway, staged protests that led to traffic disruptions. The situation escalated when protesters reportedly threw stones at law enforcement, resulting in injuries to a police officer and damage to a police vehicle. The Maharashtra government has urged the police to ensure the uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel, and LPG cylinders amidst the ongoing protests.
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh Affected:
In Rajasthan, protests caused traffic jams on multiple routes, affecting the operation of roadway buses. In Madhya Pradesh, drivers staged agitations in Bhopal, leading to disruptions in public transportation and road blockades. Panic over potential fuel shortages resulted in long queues at petrol pumps in various cities.
Punjab Joins the Protest:
Punjab witnessed a widespread halt in the operations of commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses, as part of the protest against the new law. Truck drivers initiated demonstrations on the Ludhiana-Ferozepur Road, disrupting traffic and highlighting the nationwide scope of the opposition.
As the protests enter their second day, concerns over the impact on transportation, fuel supply, and public safety continue to grow. The clash between the government’s efforts to enforce stringent laws and the operators’ resistance underscores the complex challenges in finding a balance between road safety and the livelihoods of those in the transport industry.
