The nationwide transportation strike entered its second day on Tuesday (January 2) with long queues at petrol pumps as fuel supply took a hit across the country. The three-day strike was launched by truck, bus and tanker drivers to protest against the stringent jail and fine regulations under the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for hit-and-run cases.
Here is a look at why the drivers are protesting against the new regulations and what has been the impact of the strike.
What does the new law on hit-and-run cases say?
Under the new law, which replaced the colonial era Indian Penal Code, drivers who cause a serious road accident by negligent driving and run away without informing the police or any official from the administration can face punishment of up to 10 years or a fine of Rs 7 lakh.
“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,” according to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Why are truck, bus and tanker drivers protesting against it?
According to a report by YEARSprivate transport operators have claimed that the law discourages drivers and may lead to unjust punishments. They also claim that the drivers could be subject to mob violence when they attempt to transport the injured to hospitals and demand the repeal of the law, the report added.
Rajendra Kapoor, All India Motor & Goods Transport Association President, told YEARS: “Our only demand from the government is that the decision should have been taken after having consultations with our stakeholders. There was no discussion with anyone on this, and no one was asked about this. There should have been prior meetings and consultations.”
He added: “The protest has been announced by the members of All India Motor & Goods Transport Association. There should be a discussion on this issue. A misleading situation is created now. People are not completely aware of the new law”.
What has been the impact of the strike?
Since Monday (January 1), protestors have blockaded roads and highways across states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. This has affected vehicle movement and fuel supply.
For instance, a transporters’ body on Tuesday claimed that the strike had impacted the movement of nearly five lakh vehicles in Madhya Pradesh. Lengthy queues formed at petrol pumps across states, including Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra.
On Monday, protesters obstructed highways in several districts of Gujarat, including Kheda, Valsad, Gir Somnath, Bharuch, and Mehsana, by parking vehicles and setting up blockades.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
First uploaded on: 02-01-2024 at 14:29 IST
