Traffic chaos in India as truckers protest harsher hit-and-run law

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INDIA, Jan 2: The onset of the New Year witnessed widespread traffic congestion and lengthy queues at petrol stations, as citizens took to social media to share images and videos of the chaotic scenes. Ambulances in certain cities found themselves stranded in traffic for extended periods due to a nationwide protest led by truck drivers against the newly implemented hit-and-run law.

In a three-day demonstration starting on Monday, drivers blocked highways and crucial roads across the country. The repercussions of these protests not only included severe traffic disruptions but also sparked concerns about potential fuel shortages, prompting citizens to rush to the nearest petrol pumps.

The primary point of contention for the truck drivers is the hit-and-run law within the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the criminal code set to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC). This law raises the penalty for road accident cases to a maximum of 10 years, a significant increase from the 2-year maximum jail term in the previous Indian penal code for accidentally causing someone’s death in a road accident.

According to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, causing the death of a person through a rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide can result in imprisonment for up to seven years and a fine. If the offender fails to report the incident immediately or escapes, the imprisonment term can extend to ten years, accompanied by a fine of ₹7 lakh.

Protesting truck drivers argue that the new law is excessively harsh and exhibits bias against larger vehicles. They express concern about their inability to afford the substantial fine amount of ₹7 lakh as drivers.

Syed Wajed, a tanker driver participating in the protests in Maharashtra, states, “We are drivers; how can we pay such a big fine amount?” The protesters are also apprehensive about potential mob violence against drivers transporting the injured to hospitals.

The strike has seen participation from various drivers, including truckers, private bus drivers, and even government bus drivers in some instances. Social media reports indicate that cab drivers have also joined the protests in certain states.

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