Central Government / What is there in the new law that scared the drivers and the wheels of the trucks stopped?

Central Government: Transporters are on strike against the strict rules of the Central Government in 'hit and run' cases. The new rule provides for a punishment of 10 years imprisonment and fine. Truck drivers are angry with this new rule of the government. Its impact is most visible in Madhya Pradesh. After the truck drivers' strike, people remained troubled at many petrol pumps in Bhopal. Petrol and diesel have run out at many places. In Bhopal, truck drivers were blocked and taxis, buses and tractors were also stopped, after which the police used mild force. The protesters say that till now according to the law, there was a provision of 2 years' imprisonment in a hit and run case and bail was granted. Meanwhile, drivers protested at many places in the state including Indore and Morena.

Due to the strike of truck drivers, people have started fearing shortage of fuel due to which people want to fill the tanks of their vehicles. Due to this competition, there was crowding at petrol pumps in many areas of Nagpur, Maharashtra. Traffic jams occurred at many places. Protests were also seen in many cities of Gujarat. Many petrol pump owners have also closed the pumps. At the petrol pumps where petrol is available, there is a queue of vehicles for 200 to 300 meters. People are standing in line waiting for their turn.

What's in the new law?

In the Indian Judicial Code, passed by the Parliament and made a law, special provisions have been made in the case of death due to negligence in hint and run. According to the law, if a driver dies due to rash and negligent driving and he runs away without informing the police or magistrate, then he will be punished with imprisonment up to 10 years and a fine of Rs 7 lakh. This law applies to all types of vehicles i.e. two-wheeler, car, Applies to drivers of all vehicles like trucks and tankers.

According to the current law, the case is registered under Section 279 of the Indian Penal Code, 304A and 338 after identification of the driver. There is a provision of two years imprisonment in this.

Why are the drivers protesting?

Drivers say that if they stay at the spot, they may have to face the anger of the crowd. However, Home Minister Amit Shah had said in Parliament that leniency would be shown towards those drivers who would inform the police and take the injured to the hospital. All India Motor Transport Congress President Amritlal Madan said that opinion was not taken from stakeholders before the amendment. There is a lack of accident investigation protocol in the country. The police puts the blame on the big vehicle without investigating. Truck drivers are demanding amendment in the Motor Vehicle Act.

CL Mukati, chairman of the transport committee of All India Motor Transport Congress, said, there is anger among the drivers over the stringent provisions suddenly introduced by the government in hit-and-run cases and they demand that these provisions be withdrawn. He said that the government should focus on ensuring better road and transport system like other countries before bringing strict provisions in hit and run cases on the lines of other countries.

On the other hand, Madhya Pradesh Transport Minister Rao Uday Pratap Singh has appealed to the agitating drivers to discuss this issue with the government. Making the law does not mean that it is designed to take punitive action against them, he said. They should resolve this issue through discussion. We will talk to them. He said that the government will ensure smooth movement of people and vehicles on priority basis.