NEW DELHI: In a major improvement, a whole bunch of transporters and autorickshaw drivers, who had been protesting towards the just lately enacted legislation on hit-and-run incidents, known as off their ongoing nationwide protest, following assurances from the Centre on the controversial legislation. The protest was known as off after the federal government reached out to the agitating transporters in a late night assembly between Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) representatives. Announcing that the strike is being known as off, the agitating transporters stated, ”All points had been resolved.”
The President of the All India Motor Transport Congress, Amrit Lal Madan, addressed the protesting truck drivers, stating, “You are not just our drivers; you are our soldiers. We do not want you to face any inconvenience.” The union chief revealed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has quickly suspended the ten years of punishment and high quality that had been initially imposed. Importantly, no new legal guidelines will probably be enforced till the subsequent assembly of the All India Motor Transport Congress, he added.
Govt Puts Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 106/2 On Hold
Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla emphasised the federal government’s dedication to dialogue by confirming, “We discussed with All India Motor Transport Congress representatives.” He clarified that the brand new rule, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 106/2, has not been applied but. Bhalla highlighted the federal government’s stance, stating, “Before implementing the rule, we will engage in discussions with All India Motor Transport Congress representatives, and only then will a decision be taken.”
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#WATCH | Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla says, ” We had a discussion with All India Motor Transport Congress representatives, govt want to say that the new rule has not been implemented yet, we all want to say that before implementing Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 106/2, we will have… pic.twitter.com/14QXaVUg7t
— ANI (@ANI) January 2, 2024
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Bhalla additional knowledgeable that the Government and the transporters have agreed that transport staff will resume their work instantly they usually have been requested to renew work.
The New Hit-And-Run Law: Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS)
Under the just lately launched Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), changing the Indian Penal Code, drivers answerable for a critical street accident by way of negligent driving, who then flee with out reporting to the authorities, may face punishments of as much as 10 years in jail or a high quality of Rs 7 lakh. This marks a considerable improve from the earlier two-year punishment below the IPC.
New Law Triggers Protests Across States
Transport operators argued that the legislation discourages drivers and will end in unjust punishments. They expressed issues about potential mob violence when trying to move the injured to hospitals and demanded the repeal of the legislation.Â
All India Motor & Goods Transport Association President, Rajendra Kapoor, said, “Our only demand from the government is that decisions should be made after consultations with stakeholders. There were no discussions, no consultations.”
Protests Across The Country
Protests erupted throughout states, with non-public bus and truck drivers imposing a ‘chakka jam’ in Madhya Pradesh and staging demonstrations in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. In Nagpur, lengthy queues at petrol pumps on Tuesday mirrored the impression of the continued protests.
While addressing the scenario, Kapoor asserted, “Protest can never lead to a solution. We have full faith that the government will hold conversations with our members and make necessary amendments based on our recommendations.”Â