
Drivers across the country have initiated widespread protests in response to the heightened jail terms for ‘hit-and-run’ cases under the new Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023. The criminal code law, replacing the British-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), now imposes up to 10 years of punishment for fleeing an accident spot and not reporting the incident, a substantial increase from the previous 2-year penalty.
What is the new law related to Drivers?
Under the new law, the jail term increased from up to two years to up to ten years for the drivers if they run away from the accident spot. As per the new law, hit-and-run cases can attract a 10-year jail term and a fine of Rs 7 lakh, said Pramod Sikarwar, who was protesting at Board Office Square in Bhopal.
“The new law is against the interest of drivers. Drivers don’t want to kill anybody, but accidents happen. In such cases, people turn against the driver. We demand that the new law be amended,” he said.
Protesters’ Claims:
The protesting drivers argue that accidents are rarely intentional, and they are often compelled to flee due to threats from enraged mobs, which puts their lives at risk. They express concern that the stringent provisions will discourage drivers and instill fear about the security of their jobs.
Challenges Highlighted by Drivers:
Drivers emphasize that various factors contribute to accidents, some of which are beyond their control. They cite instances where accidents occur due to poor visibility during fog, leaving drivers liable for extended jail terms without any clear fault on their part.
Impact on Traffic and Public Services:
The protests have led to traffic snarls in certain areas as drivers take to the streets, demanding either a repeal of the law or a reduction in the severity of the punishment. Local administrations in several states are on high alert, closely monitoring the protests to ensure public safety.
Disruption to Transport System:
The ongoing protests have thrown the transport system into disarray, leaving many passengers stranded at bus stations in various cities. The strike has garnered participation from diverse driver groups, including truckers, private bus drivers, and even government bus drivers in some instances. Reports on social media suggest that cab drivers have also joined the protests in certain states.
Government Legislation and Reforms:
During the Winter Session of Parliament, the Union Government passed significant legislation, including the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023. These legislative changes aimed to overhaul the criminal justice system, replacing key components such as the IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act.