Truckers Call Off Strike Over Hit-And-Run Law After Meet With Govt

Truckers' association has made the statement after the meeting with government.

Ministry of Home Affairs, in a statement, said?: “truckers representatives told new laws not implemented yet and if they have concerns, government will consider them with open heart”.

Earlier, the three-day strike was launched by drivers of trucks and tankers to protest against the stringent jail and fine regulations under the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for hit-and-run cases.

Under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita law, which replaced the colonial era Indian Penal Code, drivers who cause a serious road accident by negligent driving and run away without informing the police or any official from the administration can face punishment of up to 10 years or a fine of Rs 7 lakh.

The new law says: “Whoever causes the death of any person by doing any rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine."?

The transporters had argued that the law discourages drivers and may lead to unjust punishments.?

Some transporters had also reportedly said the drivers could be subject to mob violence when they attempt to transport the injured to hospitals, ANI reported.

Earlier, the implementation of the new hit-and-run law sparked protests across the country, particularly among truckers.

Besides, the refilling stations at many places across the country ran dry due to shortage of fuel supplies. The strike also affected daily commuters with lines of cars and motorists witnessed at several petrol pumps across the country.
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