Truckers across the nation, who had been protesting against the proposed hit-and-run law, have been urged by the All India Motor Transport Association (AIMTC) to promptly resume their work. This development transpired following a crucial late-evening agreement between the transport body, representing the truckers, and the government. Notably, the new regulation, which entails penalties of up to ten years for hit-and-run cases, has not been enforced yet, as confirmed by the government. It was emphasized that any decision regarding the implementation would be made only after thorough consultations with the transport body.
Moreover, the truckers' association conveyed that the ongoing protest against the new penal provisions in the hit-and-run law is expected to be withdrawn shortly.
Malkit Singh Bal, Chairman of the core committee of the truckers' body, stated, "We met and discussed the provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and all issues have been resolved. The new laws have not been implemented yet and will only be implemented after consultation with AIMTC." He further mentioned that the strike would conclude soon, urging the drivers to resume work.
Amid these developments, Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla provided insights, saying, "There was a discussion with the All India Motor Transport Congress on the law imposing a punishment of ten years (in hit-and-run cases). This law has not yet been implemented. We will implement it only after discussing it with the AIMTC."
Amrit Lal Madan, President of All India Motor Transport Congress, reassured the protesting truckers after a meeting with the government, confirming that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has suspended the ten-year punishment and fine. He assured them that no laws would be imposed until the next meeting of the All India Motor Transport Congress takes place.
The government recently introduced the controversial provision under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, replacing the British-era Indian Penal Code. According to Section 106 (2) of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, individuals causing the death of another through rash and negligent driving, not amounting to culpable homicide, and escaping without reporting the incident to authorities, may face imprisonment of up to ten years, in addition to fines.
The nationwide truckers' protest has raised concerns about potential shortages at petrol and diesel stations, prompting panic buying. Visuals from various country regions depict people queuing up at fuel stations due to apprehensions about an impending fuel shortage.
