Truckers threaten to intensify protests if new hit-and-run law is not revoked

The All India Road Transport Workers’ Federation, a group of trade unions representing drivers and transport workers, warned on Wednesday that it would intensify protests if the Centre did not withdraw the new law on hit-and-run cases, The Hindu reported.

Several drivers’ unions, who are protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, said that they would continue to agitate even after the All India Motor Transport Congress called off the protests on Tuesday after meeting with Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla.

Truck, bus and tanker operators have been protesting against a clause in the newly-enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita that provides for a jail term of up to 10 years and a penalty of up to Rs 7 lakh for hit-and-run cases if they flee the scene of an incident or neglect to report it promptly to a police officer or magistrate.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has received the assent of President Droupadi Murmu, but the government is yet to announce the date from when it will take effect.

Hit-and-run cases are currently prosecuted under the Indian Penal Code and attract imprisonment for a year, which can be extended up to two years, with a fine of more than Rs 1,000 or both. In cases of deaths, the police can also file cases under Section 302,...

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