Transport Body Urges Truck Drivers To End Strike After Meeting With Centre

New Delhi: Nationwide trucker protests against the impending ten-year punishment in hit-and-run cases have subsided following a late-night agreement between the transport body and the government. The government clarified that the new rule has not been enforced yet and will only be implemented after consultations with the truckers’ association.

Malkit Singh Bal, Chairman of the truckers’ core committee, stated that discussions on the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) provisions have successfully addressed all concerns. He assured that the strike would conclude soon, urging drivers to resume work.

Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla emphasized that the ten-year penalty for hit-and-run cases remains on hold, pending further discussions with the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC). President Amrit Lal Madan assured protesting truckers that no laws would be imposed until the next AIMTC meeting, following discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The contentious provision, introduced under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, is yet to replace the British-era Indian Penal Code. Section 106 (2) outlines a ten-year imprisonment and a fine for causing death through rash and negligent driving, escaping without reporting to authorities.

The ongoing nationwide trucker protest has raised concerns about fuel shortages, prompting panic buying at petrol and diesel stations across the country. People were seen queuing up at pumps, fearing an imminent fuel crisis.