Hit And Run Law: Why are drivers protesting against the new 'Hit and Run' law? Read what changes happened after the amendment

Truck drivers and transport operators are creating blockades in many states due to the new law of 'Hit and Run' being brought by the Central Government. In protest against the new law, drivers from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and UP, Bihar have started blocking roads from Saturday itself. The 'Hit and Run' law is being changed by the Central Government to control road accidents. Drivers are opposing the introduction of this law. In fact, after the amendment in the Indian Penal Code, 2023, there has been a provision of 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 7 lakh to the driver in case of an accident.

This amendment has also been opposed by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC). AIMTC President Amritlal Madan said, "After this rule, heavy vehicle drivers are leaving their jobs." He said that the Indian Civil Code 2023 has a provision of 10 years' imprisonment for drivers found guilty of accidents, which is putting our transport industry at risk. He said, "India's road transport fraternity will be punished under the Indian Civil Code 2023. Does not agree with the stringent provisions under the proposed law on hit-and-run cases."

Why are drivers facing problems?

After the provision of 10 years of punishment in the new law of 'Hit and Run', drivers are now forced to leave their job. According to AIMTC, suggestions were not taken from stakeholders before amending the law, there are many flaws in the proposed law. Amritlal Madan said that there is already a shortage of 25-30 percent of drivers across the country, and such laws will further increase the shortage of drivers. He said that the government is not paying attention to the problems of the drivers. The biggest contributors to the country's economy are road transporters and drivers.

What did AIMTC say?

AIMTC says that there is a lack of accident investigation protocols in the country. Due to this, the case is not investigated impartially and the driver is declared guilty. It is not the intention of any driver to run away from the accident site, but he has to do so to avoid the crowd gathering nearby.

AIMTC Madhya Pradesh branch chief Rakesh Tiwari said, "We have extended our support to the national level body. Out of about 95 lakh trucks in the country, the state has about 5 lakh trucks which generate employment for crores of people. Thus The unilateral and ill-conceived provision of AIMTC is demoralizing them, he said, adding that AIMTC will decide its further strategy for protest against the new provision across the country in the next week.

What was the law earlier and what will be the amendment now?

Hit-and run case is registered under IPC sections 279 (negligent driving), 304A (causing death by negligence), and 338 (endangering life). There is a provision of two years imprisonment in this. In special cases, section 302 of IPC is also added.

After the amendment, under section 104 (2) if an accused runs away from the scene of hit and run incident. If the person does not inform the police or magistrate, he will have to face imprisonment for up to 10 years and have to pay a fine.

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