WATCH the video : Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla’s Assurance: Collaborative Discussions Prior to Implementing Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 106/2.
New Delhi , Jan 2, 2024 :- In a significant development, truckers protesting across the nation against the recently proposed hit-and-run law have been urged to immediately resume work. Late in the evening, a crucial agreement was reached between the transport body representing the truckers and the government.
The contentious law, which entails a punishment of up to ten years in hit-and-run cases, has not been enforced yet. The government emphasized that any decision regarding its implementation would only be made after thorough discussions with the concerned transport body.
The truckers’ association has also announced its intention to withdraw the ongoing protest against the new penal provisions in the hit-and-run law.
Malkit Singh Bal, Chairman of the truckers’ body’s core committee, stated, “We have discussed the provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and all issues have been resolved. The new laws have not been implemented yet and will only be enforced after consultation with AIMTC.”
Bal further confirmed that the strike would conclude soon, urging drivers to resume their work promptly.
Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla commented, “There was a discussion with the All India Motor Transport Congress on the law imposing a punishment of ten years (in hit-and-run cases). This law has not yet been implemented. We will implement it only after discussing with the AIMTC.”
Assuring the protesting truckers, Amrit Lal Madan, President of All India Motor Transport Congress, conveyed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has temporarily put the ten-year punishment and fine on hold.
“Until the next meeting of the All India Motor Transport Congress is held, no laws will be imposed,” Madan assured the truckers following a meeting with the government.
The provision causing the uproar was recently introduced by the government under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, replacing the outdated Indian Penal Code from the British era.
According to Section 106 (2) of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, “Whoever causes death of any person by rash and negligent driving of a vehicle not amounting to culpable homicide, and escapes without reporting it to a police officer or a magistrate soon after the incident, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description of a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to a fine.”
The ongoing nationwide truckers’ protest has raised concerns about potential shortages at petrol and diesel stations, leading to panic buying. Reports from various parts of the country depict long queues at fuel pumps as people anxiously stock up amid fears of an imminent fuel shortage.
