Under the new rule, hit-and-run incidents carry harsher punishments: up to 10 years in prison and a fine of Rs 7 lakh. It is also lawful for owners of private vehicles. The truck drivers who are protesting think that the new law is too harsh and that the penalties are too severe.
Drivers who escape accident scenes face harsher fines under India’s recently implemented Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita hit-and-run law. A driver who leaves the scene of a hit-and-run accident faces up to 10 years in jail and a fine of ₹7 lakh, as per the law.
Owners of private vehicles are likewise subject to this law. The goal of the new rule is to reduce the amount of hit-and-run incidents, which result in about 50,000 fatalities annually in India.
When compared to the prior punishments under the Indian Penal Code, the new law’s hit-and-run penalties are noticeably harsher. The following are the consequences for hit-and-run incidents under the new law:
Ten years or more in prison
A ₹7 lakh fine
Why has the new hit-and-run law been implemented?
- The important problem of hit-and-run accidents and their effects led to the introduction of the new hit-and-run law in India, known as the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. The new law’s primary justifications are as follows:
- Reducing the number of hit-and-run incidents: The new law seeks to lessen the annual number of hit-and-run incidents that cause almost 50,000 fatalities in India.
- Boost accountability: To hold drivers responsible for hit-and-run accidents more accountable, the law has tougher penalties in place, including up to 10 years in jail and a fine of ₹7 lakh.
- Revise the legal framework: The new law supersedes the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which dates back to the British era. It also completely overhauls the criminal justice system, making modifications to the Evidence Act and the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
- Give victims additional rights: The new law gives victims the opportunity to testify in court, which can contribute to a more equitable judicial system for anyone impacted by hit-and-run incidents.
- Encourage road safety: The new law intends to discourage risky driving behavior and encourage road safety by applying stiffer fines for hit-and-run incidents.
How are the drivers responding?
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which replaces the Indian Penal Code, has a new hit-and-run law that has truck drivers across India revolting against it.
Broad-Based Opposition:
- Due to the severe fines associated with the new hit-and-run rule, truck drivers around India are staging protests.
- Fearing persecution, the All India Motor Transport Congress is demanding that the bill be revoked.
Drivers’ worries:
- Drivers face financial difficulties because they feel the law is harsh and the fines are excessive.
- They worry that it will discourage present drivers and discourage people from entering the field.
- Injustices such as unfounded allegations and uncontrollable incidents may result in 10-year penalties.
The Effects of Protests
- Considerable interruption to supply networks and transportation.
- More than 70% of Mumbai’s 1.20 lakh vehicles, tempos, and containers are thought to be off the road, which might have an impact on the delivery of fuel and necessities.
- Fuel and other necessities will probably be distributed differently as a result of the three-day strike.
- There are protests like these taking place across the nation.
- The new law threatens the future of the trucking sector and the livelihoods of truck drivers.
- Protests draw attention to issues with the legislation’s fairness and unforeseen repercussions.
Will the new hit-and-run law be repealed by the government?
The new hit-and-run law in India has not been withdrawn by the government, as far as we know. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita introduced the law with the intention of tackling the serious problem of hit-and-run incidents and their aftermath.
Drivers who abandon accident scenes face harsher penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and a fine of ₹7 lahks.
The goal of the new rule, according to the government, is to reduce the amount of hit-and-run incidents, which result in about 50,000 fatalities annually in India. Truck drivers have protested and opposed the law, but the government has not officially stated that it is going to be repealed.
The administration has not provided any indication that it may be withdrawing the new measures, despite the All India Motor Transport Congress’s concerns and calls for their recall.
In conclusion, based on the most recent data available, there are no signs that the Indian government would repeal the recently passed hit-and-run legislation. Despite truck drivers’ objections and complaints, the law is still in place.
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