Truckers’ strike ends: All about protest & what the new law says

In the wake of a major strike spearheaded by truck, bus, and tanker drivers in protest of a law related to hit-and-run cases, the government finally inetervened on the second day, thereby persuading the protestors to call off their three-day strike.

The development came after the talks were held between the transport body representing truckers, All India Motor Transport Association (AIMTC) and the government officials. The government has reportedly given an assurance to the protestors about a comprehensive discussion before implementing the law.

"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 a discussion with All India Motor Transport Congress representatives and then only we will take a decision," Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla says. The government clarified that the new rule, which entails punishments of up to ten years in hit-and-run cases, has not been enforced yet.

The collective action by vehicle operators was a response to the provisions of stringent jail sentences and fines prescribed by the recently enacted law for hit-and-run incidents. While state-owned oil companies had preemptively refuelled most petrol stations, heightened demand led to stock shortages in select locations.

On its second day on Tuesday, the nationwide transportation strike continued, which led to significant queues at gas stations due to disrupted fuel supply in states like Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra. A transport association asserted the strike had estimatedly disrupted the movement of around 5 lakh vehicles in Madhya Pradesh.

Although state-owned oil companies had replenished fuel reserves at the majority of petrol stations nationwide in anticipation of the truckers' strike, a surge in demand led to stock depletion across certain petrol pumps in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Punjab. The strike also affected the truck movement in certain western and northern states.

Since Monday, protestors had also obstructed roads and highways in various states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.

What is the new law?

The newly enacted law on hit-and-run cases, replacing the colonial era Indian Penal Code (IPC), imposes penalties of up to 10 years in prison or a fine of ₹7 lakh for drivers responsible for a serious road accident through negligent driving and for those who subsequently flee without reporting the incident to police or relevant authorities.

“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 new law Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita says.

Around 100,000 trucks are responsible for transporting petrol, diesel, and LPG from oil company depots to petrol pumps and gas distribution agencies.

Truckers, in their defence, say that even in minor accidents, the majority of truck drivers flee to avoid potential mob justice and the associated risks to their lives.

Bal Malkit Singh, chairman of the core committee of AIMTC told a national news agency that the concerns of the truck drivers had been communicated to the government. He says they were committed to preventing its enforcement. He also appealed to the truck drivers to return to their vehicles and commence driving without any apprehensions.