SRINAGAR: The New Year of 2024 began with a transport strike in several states opposing a forthcoming law on hit-and-run cases. As the strike continues into Tuesday, drivers of trucks, buses, and tankers have halted their wheels, causing road blockages.
The second day of the strike has seen long queues at petrol pumps across the country due to disrupted fuel supply. The three-day strike, initiated by truck, bus, and tanker drivers, aims to oppose strict jail and fine regulations introduced under the newly unveiled Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for hit-and-run cases.
Protestors have blocked roads and highways in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh since Monday. Locals are rushing to petrol pumps in various cities, anticipating disruptions in fuel supply due to the ongoing agitation.
Under the new law, replacing the Indian Penal Code, drivers causing serious road accidents through negligent driving and fleeing without reporting to the authorities can face up to 10 years in prison or a fine of Rs 7 lakh.
Road accidents were previously addressed under four sections of IPC: 279 for reckless driving, 304A for causing death by reckless driving, 338 for endangering life, and section 302 in rare cases amounting to murder.
Now, hit-and-run cases, exceeding 50,000 across India, have been bifurcated into two sections under BNS. One deals with negligent driving resulting in someone’s death but not culpable homicide. In these cases, if the driver stops, takes the injured to the hospital, and informs the government, they will face five years of jail and a penalty.
However, if the driver runs away after the hit, they will go to jail for 10 years and may have to pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh.
Drivers argue that if they could pay such an amount, they might as well work in a better job.
“Whoever causes the death of any person by doing any rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine,” the new legislation in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita reads.
Earlier, individuals accused in hit-and-run cases were tried under Section 304A of the Indian Penal Code, facing penalties of up to two years in jail upon identification.
Lengthy queues at petrol pumps in Kashmir are observed as Transport Association drivers protest against the new hit-and-run law. Similar scenes unfold in other states across India, where people fear a fuel shortage amid the truck drivers’ protest.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bhiduri, has urged residents not to panic by flocking to petrol pumps with vehicles and bottles. He assured that the Valley has enough petrol, diesel, kerosene, and LPG to last for nearly a month.
Bidhuri emphasized that the influx of people to petrol pumps for fuel would only lead to unnecessary panic. “We have sufficient stock of essentials in Kashmir, including petrol and LPG, for almost a month,” Bidhuri said.
He urged the public to remain calm and assured them that the ongoing transporter strike would not adversely impact Kashmir. Negotiations are underway with the transporters, and the divisional administration is dedicated to ensuring that there is no scarcity of essentials, including petrol, diesel, and LPG, during the winter months, said the Divisional Commissioner.
