Transport unions from across the country are set to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, January 3, opposing the recently enacted penal law on hit-and-run cases. Kishan Verma, president of the All Dilli Auto-Taxi Transport Congress Union, emphasized the need for government consultation with stakeholders before finalizing such impactful laws.
Verma stated, “These laws can devastate families and are tantamount to capital punishment. Drivers don’t intentionally hit and run; sometimes, they flee due to fear of reprisal. Transport unions nationwide will unite in this peaceful protest.”
The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh will join the demonstration on Wednesday and convene another gathering at Rajghat on Thursday, January 4. Rajendra Soni of Delhi Auto Rickshaw Sangh, associated with both the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh and the transport union, warned of a potential strike if a resolution is not reached.
Truckers have been protesting since Monday against the stringent provisions in the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which imposes severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison or a Rs 7 lakh fine, for drivers fleeing a hit-and-run case without informing the police. The protest has led to fuel supply disruptions, causing long queues and panic buying at petrol stations.
