National truck driver protest leads to reform of hit-and-run laws

The truck drivers protest in India has led to fuel shortages and travel difficulties, mainly in Punjab, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Madhya Pradesh.

Truck drivers have ended their nationwide protest against new penalties for hit-and-run accidents after the government promised to consult with their transport representatives before enforcing the controversial law.

The Hit-And-Run Law which proposed up to ten years of punishment for such cases, has not been implemented. The government assured that any decision on its implementation would be made only after thorough discussions with the transport community.

Truck, bus, and tanker drivers began a three-day strike on Monday in many states, including Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) expressed concerns about a recent amendment and called for a more balanced legislative approach.

The protest has led to fuel shortages and travel difficulties, mainly in Punjab, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Madhya Pradesh.

Impact of Truck Drivers Protest in India

The nationwide protest by truck drivers against the new law on hit-and-run cases has caused widespread disruption across the country. The impact includes more than 2,000 petrol pumps running dry in western and northern India, causing a rush of people to fill their tanks.

The strike has further resulted in a shortage of vegetable supplies in major North Indian markets, leading to increased vegetable prices. Despite the meeting between the Home Ministry and other officials on Tuesday evening, protests will continue in many parts of the country on Wednesday.

The truck drivers' strike affected the supply of vegetables, forcing Chandigarh to impose a temporary ban on the sale of petrol and diesel. Two-wheelers were limited to two liters of fuel or a maximum value of Rs 200, while four-wheelers were limited to five liters of fuel or a maximum value of Rs 500.

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Hit-And-Run Law

Truckers oppose a proposed new hit-and-run law, which is part of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and will replace the Indian Penal Code. Drivers who cause major crashes due to negligence and escape without informing authorities might face up to ten years in prison or a Rs 7 lakh fine under this rule, a substantial increase from the previous two-year penalty under the IPC.

The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) urged truckers to end their strike, leading to the strike being called off in Maharashtra's Nashik after the meeting. The Madhya Pradesh High Court issued notices to the state and the Centre in response to public interest litigations seeking directives to ensure an adequate supply of essential commodities, including fuel and foodgrains, amid the truckers' strike.

Truck and bus drivers nationwide have protested three days, opposing a recent central government law addressing hit-and-run cases. Although the new law is yet to be implemented, transporters argue that it might be misused to harass them and potentially contribute to increased corruption.