Truckers' Strike Ends As Centre Assures Decision On Hit-And-Run Law To Be Taken After Talks

Truck Drivers Protest: The Union Government and the transporters have agreed that transport workers will resume their work immediately and they appealed to truck drivers to resume work.

In the wake of nationwide protests by truckers' associations, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has assured representatives of the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) that the new rules under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) are yet to be implemented. The MHA has expressed openness to address concerns raised by truckers and emphasised that a final decision will taken after talks with the AIMTC, urging the truckers to end their strike against stricter punishments in the new law on hit-and-run cases.

According to news agency ANI, the Union Government and the transporters have agreed that transport workers will resume their work immediately and they appealed to truck drivers to resume work.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, who chaired a meeting with the representatives, said, "We had a discussion with All India Motor Transport Congress representatives; the government wants 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", as quoted by ANI.

Amrit Lal Madan, President of All India Motor Transport Congress, urged truck drivers to resume work, stating, "You are not just our drivers; you are our soldiers. We do not want you to face any inconvenience. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has kept the ten years of punishment & fine that was imposed on hold. Until the next meeting of the All India Motor Transport Congress is held, no laws will be imposed", ANI reported.

In a statement, the Union Home Ministry wrote, "The Government of India has taken cognizance of the concerns of truckers regarding the provision of 10 years imprisonment and fine,under Section 106 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and held detailed discussion with the representatives of the All India Motor Transport Congress today. The government wants to point out that these new laws and provisions have not yet come into force. We would also like to point out that the decision to invoke Section 106 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita will be taken only after consultation with the All India Motor Transport Congress."

"We appeal to All India Motor Transport Congress and all the drivers to return to their respective jobs," the release read.

Bal Malkit Singh, Chairman of the core committee of AIMTC, said, “We have conveyed your concerns to the government. The law has not been put into force yet and I assure you that we will not let this law come into force. We appeal to you to go back to your vehicles and start driving without any fears”, as quoted by news agency PTI. 

The protests, initiated by some truckers' associations, entered their second day today, impacting the supply of essentials and causing panic buying of fuel in several regions. While some disruptions were reported, authorities in Maharashtra's Nashik district successfully persuaded local truck drivers to call off their strike after addressing their concerns, news agency PTI reported.

Truck Drivers' Protest: Violence In Rajasthan's Kekri District

According to PTI, violence erupted in Rajasthan's Kekri district, where a mob burnt a police vehicle and pelted stones at security personnel, resulting in three injuries. The protests have been triggered by concerns over the stringent punishments outlined in the new law, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which replaces the Indian Penal Code.

Under the new law, drivers causing serious road accidents due to negligent driving could face up to 10 years in prison or a fine of Rs 7 lakh. The truckers' strike has led to fuel shortages in various states, with petrol pumps in several parts of India including Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir witnessing long queues as people engage in panic buying.

In response to the situation, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh urged the Union government to understand the demands of the truck drivers, PTI reported. 

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi criticised the Modi government as he took to X and posted: "The insistence on making laws without discussion with the affected class and without dialogue with the opposition is a constant assault on the soul of democracy. When more than 150 MPs were suspended, the autocrat in Parliament, instead of addressing the backbone of the Indian economy, enacted a law against drivers that could have devastating consequences. Subjecting this hardworking class with limited income to harsh legal fines can severely impact their livelihoods.” 

“Moreover, the misuse of this law can encourage organised corruption through the 'recovery system.' The government, which drives democracy with a whip, seems to have forgotten the difference between 'the emperor's decree' and 'justice’,” he added.

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