Why Are Truckers Protesting Against The New Hit-And-Run Law?

As the nationwide truck drivers' agitation against the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) escalates, fuel stations in various states are experiencing extended queues. This upsurge in demand isn't due to expectations of fuel price hikes but stems from mounting concerns that the ongoing protests might disrupt the fuel supply chain, potentially leading to shortages in essential supplies.

Protests have erupted in multiple states, including Bihar, Punjab, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. These demonstrations primarily oppose the penalties imposed for hit-and-run accidents under the new BNS.

In Maharashtra, truckers staged 'rasta roko' protests at multiple locations, protesting against the severe penalties outlined for motorists involved in hit-and-run incidents under the recently enacted penal law. In Nashik district, tanker drivers ceased operations, parking over 1,000 vehicles in Panewadi village, a central hub for fuel depots, as reported by news agency PTI.

The ongoing protests stem from discontent with the BNS, which replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code. The law prescribes strict penalties, including imprisonment for drivers causing serious accidents and fleeing the scene without reporting to authorities. Truckers and commercial vehicle operators express concerns about affording such substantial fines in case of an accident.

The agitation turned violent in Navi Mumbai, where protesters attacked a police official near the NRI police station in Nerul. The police detained at least 40 truck drivers and used force to control the situation. Additionally, around 400 people staged a 'rasta roko' on the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway in Kalamboli, demanding the withdrawal of the new provision.

The BNS's provisions regarding hit-and-run accidents categorize them under causing death by negligence, introducing two clauses under Section 104. The law, receiving the President's assent after passing through Parliament, imposes imprisonment for causing death by a rash or negligent act, along with provisions for fleeing the scene or failing to report the incident.

Protesters, like Bhopal cab driver Gyansingh Yadav, expressed concerns about the law's impact on drivers' lives. They call for amendments to the penal provisions against drivers, urging a reduction in the 10-year prison term to 1-2 years.

Government officials clarified that drivers involved in accidents who promptly report the incident won't face prosecution under stringent BNS clauses. The hit-and-run provision applies to drivers evading responsibility by not informing the police. The Supreme Court's observations prompted the extended punishment of 10 years for hit-and-run cases.

The protest has involved drivers of fuel-carrying tankers, contributing to a fuel crisis in several cities. Concerns about fuel stations running dry persist if the agitation continues. Authorities in Madhya Pradesh reassure no fuel shortages at petrol pumps and expect normalcy in fuel supply soon.