New Delhi: The nationwide protest by truckers has been called off after the government assured stakeholders that it would engage in consultations before implementing a controversial law related to hit-and-run cases. The All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) decided to end the agitation following extensive discussions with the government.
Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla stated, “We had a discussion with All India Motor Transport Congress representatives… the government wants to say that the new rule has not been implemented yet. We all want to say that before implementing Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita 106/2, we will have a discussion with All India Motor Transport Congress representatives and then only we will take a decision.”
Bal Malkit, the chairman of the AIMTC’s core committee, confirmed, “The new laws have not been implemented. It will be implemented only after consultation with All India Transport Congress.”
The protests centered around Section 106(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS), slated to replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code. This section proposed stringent penalties for hit-and-run cases, with truckers threatening a nationwide strike, causing concerns about fuel and essential item shortages.
The protests extended across various states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, Punjab, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
Under the proposed law, hit-and-run offenses could result in up to 10 years in jail and a fine of ₹7 lakh, compared to the existing penalty of up to a two-year jail term and a lighter fine. The maximum punishment of 10 years applies when the offender causes death through rash driving and leaves the scene without reporting to the police.
Commercial vehicle operators, including truckers and cab drivers, raised concerns about the ability to pay such a significant fine in case of an accident. Experts also cautioned against potential misuse of the law, challenges in informing authorities due to public anger, and the acceptance of evidence in case of disputes.