Protests have broken out against a provision in the new penal law regarding hit-and-run road accident cases involving motorists. The new law stipulates a 10-year imprisonment term and a fine of Rs 7 lakh for hit-and-run incidents.
Protests have erupted nationwide as truck drivers grind their wheels to a halt in opposition to the heightened penalties imposed by the new hit-and-run law. The demonstration, gaining momentum with increasing driver participation, has led to trucks being abandoned on roads. The situation is anticipated to escalate in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand. The All India Motor Transport Congress has convened a meeting of transport unions nationwide this afternoon to strategise the way forward.
The new hit-and-run law, introduced by the Central Government, faces widespread resistance across the country. Transport unions and drivers have taken to the streets in vehement opposition to the law, resulting in traffic jams and strikes affecting buses and trucks. The strike has seen participation from private buses, trucks, and even government department-owned buses. Protesters block roads, highways in MP, Gujarat; petrol pumps run dry in Maharashtra and Punjab.
Governments urge people to avoid panic buying, promises steady fuel supply.
Amrit Lal Madan, President of the All India Motor Transport Congress, expressed solidarity with the protesting drivers and announced a meeting of unions nationwide. The meeting aims to formulate a comprehensive strategy and determine future protest methods aligned with the agreed-upon approach.
Madan highlighted the substantial impact of the protest, revealing that out of over 95 lakh registered trucks, approximately 70 lakh operate simultaneously. Presently, 30 to 40 percent of these trucks are at a standstill, potentially affecting the timely supply of essential goods.
What is new Hit-and-Run Law and Why is made stricter:
Hit and run refers to instances where a driver flees the accident scene with the vehicle involved. The new law aims to address cases where the driver, instead of aiding the injured, escapes with the vehicle. Previously, hit-and-run cases incurred bail for the driver with a maximum punishment of two years. In new law, the specific rule on such road accident cases says that if the driver flees from the spot after a road accident without informing the police about the collision, he will have to face 10 years in jail and fine of ₹7 lakh. The new rules also applies to private vehicle owners. Protesting truck drivers say that the provisions of the new law are too strict and that they should be softened. The strict provisions of the new law reflect the alarming statistic of 50 thousand annual deaths in the country due to hit-and-run incidents, prompting the government to enforce more stringent regulations.
Protests have erupted nationwide as truck drivers grind their wheels to a halt in opposition to the heightened penalties imposed by the new hit-and-run law. The demonstration, gaining momentum with increasing driver participation, has led to trucks being abandoned on roads. The situation is anticipated to escalate in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand. The All India Motor Transport Congress has convened a meeting of transport unions nationwide this afternoon to strategise the way forward.
The new hit-and-run law, introduced by the Central Government, faces widespread resistance across the country. Transport unions and drivers have taken to the streets in vehement opposition to the law, resulting in traffic jams and strikes affecting buses and trucks. The strike has seen participation from private buses, trucks, and even government department-owned buses. Protesters block roads, highways in MP, Gujarat; petrol pumps run dry in Maharashtra and Punjab.
Governments urge people to avoid panic buying, promises steady fuel supply.
Amrit Lal Madan, President of the All India Motor Transport Congress, expressed solidarity with the protesting drivers and announced a meeting of unions nationwide. The meeting aims to formulate a comprehensive strategy and determine future protest methods aligned with the agreed-upon approach.
Madan highlighted the substantial impact of the protest, revealing that out of over 95 lakh registered trucks, approximately 70 lakh operate simultaneously. Presently, 30 to 40 percent of these trucks are at a standstill, potentially affecting the timely supply of essential goods.
What is new Hit-and-Run Law and Why is made stricter:
and run refers to instances where a driver flees the accident scene with the vehicle involved. The new law aims to address cases where the driver, instead of aiding the injured, escapes with the vehicle. Previously, hit-and-run cases incurred bail for the driver with a maximum punishment of two years. In new law, the specific rule on such road accident cases says that if the driver flees from the spot after a road accident without informing the police about the collision, he will have to face 10 years in jail and fine of ₹7 lakh. The new rules also applies to private vehicle owners. Protesting truck drivers say that the provisions of the new law are too strict and that they should be softened. The strict provisions of the new law reflect the alarming statistic of 50 thousand annual deaths in the country due to hit-and-run incidents, prompting the government to enforce more stringent regulations.
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