Truckers decided to stop their protests on Tuesday because the government stated that the new hit and run law is not in effect yet. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla spoke with representatives from the All India Motor Transport Congress earlier tonight.
“The government wants to clarify that the new hit and run law hasn’t been put into action. We all agree that before implementing Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 106/2, we will discuss it with the All India Motor Transport Congress representatives and then make a decision,” Bhalla explained.
What Was Said By Amrit Lal Madan, President of All India Motor Transport Congress?
The All India Motor Transport Congress mentioned that the central government has temporarily suspended the ten-year punishment and fine for hit-and-run cases.
Amrit Lal Madan, the President of the All India Motor Transport Congress, stated that no new laws will be enforced until the next meeting of the Congress takes place. This means the penalties for hit-and-run incidents are on hold for now, providing a window for further discussions and decisions within the All India Motor Transport Congress.
What Was Matter Of Hit And Run Law? Why Truckers were Protesting?
Truckers were protesting against certain rules in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, a new law that replaced the old Indian Penal Code. The law states that if someone causes the death of another person due to reckless and careless driving, which doesn’t qualify as intentional killing, and then leaves the scene without informing the police or a Magistrate promptly, they can be punished with imprisonment for up to ten years and may also face a fine.
The truckers were unhappy with these specific provisions, leading to their protests. Truck drivers expressed their dissatisfaction with this stringent provision and went on strike in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh.
Maharashtra truck drivers staged “rasta roko” protests at many places, raising the spectre of a shortage of fuel in some places. According to authorities, truck drivers temporarily stopped traffic on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway in the Mira Bhayandar area of Thane district.
How This Strike Converted to Political Issue?
The protests by truck drivers also caused a disagreement between the government and opposition parties. The Congress party argued that the new strict rules could result in an “extortionist network” and “organized corruption.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of unfairly punishing the poor and causing delays in infrastructure projects.
बिना प्रभावित वर्ग से चर्चा और बिना विपक्ष से संवाद के कानून बनाने की ज़िद लोकतंत्र की आत्मा पर निरंतर प्रहार है।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 2, 2024
जब 150 से अधिक सांसद निलंबित थे, तब संसद में शहंशाह ने भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था की रीढ़, ड्राइवर्स के विरुद्ध एक ऐसा कानून बनाया जिसके परिणाम घातक हो सकते हैं।
सीमित…
Rahul Gandhi, a Congress MP, expressed concern on social media, criticizing the government for creating laws without discussing them with the affected group and without involving opposition parties. He highlighted the potential serious consequences for drivers, who are crucial to the Indian economy, and criticized the legislative process.
Also Read: WHAT ARE THE REASONS WHY BUSES AND LOCAL TRANSPORT DRIVERS ARE ON STRIKE IN MADHYA PRADESH?
