Truckers’ Stir Called Off Following Government Assurance

New Delhi: The countrywide truckers’ agitation was called off following the government’s assurance that it would consult stakeholders before implementing a contentious law against hit-and-run.

The All-India Motor Transport Congress called off the agitation after long talks with the government.

The truckers were protesting against Section 106(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita or BNS — which is set to replace the colonial-era Indian Penal Code — which has provisions for strict penalties in hit-and-run cases.

Under the new law, hit-and-run cases can attract up to 10 years in jail and a fine of Rs 7 lakh. Under the current law, the punishment for hit-and-run is up to a two-year jail and a lighter fine.

As per the new law the maximum punishment of 10 years will be given when the offender has caused death through rash driving and escaped without reporting the matter to the police.

The truckers, cab drivers, and others operating commercial vehicles are opposed to the hefty fine, which they say is out of their financial capacity.