Truck and bus drivers across India are protesting primarily due to a new law, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which significantly increases the jail term for hit-and-run cases. The drivers have called for the protest till January 3, 2024.The new law not only prescribes an up to 10-year jail term for hit-and-run cases but along with this, a ₹7 lakh fine will also come into effect. Under the recently-repealed Indian Penal Code (IPC), the jail term was up to two years. Now, the protesting drivers are asking for repel of the new provisions in this law.According to the information, the new law comes amidst heightened focus on road safety in India, which has a very high rate of traffic accidents.Due to the nation-wide protest, long queues were seen at the petrol pumps, travellers also had to deal with strikes by bus drivers and operators. Aside from petrol, fruits, vegetables and necessities, the truck strike also had an impact on supplies. If the protests dont stop, the traders threatened to make matters worse and even raise the price of commodities.#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Long queues at petrol pumps in Dharamshala as Transport Association, drivers protest against new law on hit and run cases. pic.twitter.com/OWHvqXrTwS— ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2024#WATCH | Maharashtra: Long queues at petrol pumps in Nagpur as Transport Association, drivers protest against new law on hit and run cases. pic.twitter.com/FWgQd1F5iH— ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2024What does the new law sayThe new law stipulates a maximum jail term of 10 years for drivers who flee and dont report fatal accidents. This was previously only 2 years under the older law.Meanwhile, in a response to the consequences of the lengthy legal procedures, drivers are complaining that even in genuine cases, police investigations and legal proceedings can drag on for years, causing them severe financial and personal hardship. Drivers fear this harsh punishment will put their livelihoods at risk, even in unintentional accidents.Transporters and driver organisations and unions are appealing the government to address the issues raised against the new law and asked for the comprehensive solution to the issue.
