'Will Put Undue Stress On...': Assam Congress Opposes New Hit-and-Run Law

APCC Secretary Gauravv Somani said the Congress acknowledges the importance of accountability in road safety, but the severity of the penalties may discourage the drivers to take the vehicles on road.

Majority of the commercial vehicles stayed off road across Assam on Friday.

Source : Pallav Bora

New Delhi: The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) and the All India Professionals’ Congress (AIPC), Assam unit, on Friday condemned the new hit-and-run law within the legal framework under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), replacing the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The Assam Congress expressed concern over the escalated penalties for road accident cases, emphasising the need for a more balanced and nuanced approach to justice.

Speaking to the media, APCC Secretary and AIPC state President, Gauravv Somani said that the new law proposes a maximum jail term of up to 10 years and a fine of Rs 7 lakh for individuals involved in hit-and-run cases, which is in stark contrast to the previous IPC that had a maximum jail term of two years in such incidents.

“With the average monthly income of a driver ranging between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000, the livelihood of an entire family hinges on this modest salary. Introducing a staggering penalty of Rs 7 lakh and a 10-year jail term in accident cases and hit-and-run incidents appears highly impractical and mentally burdensome. It places an undue and disproportionate strain on individuals whose financial means are already limited,” he said.

“Expecting a driver to adhere to such stringent measures, without considering the economic realities they face, raises serious concerns about the practicality and fairness of the law. The entire nation has gone for a two-day strike of commercial vehicles, creating complete chaos, and in Assam too, commercial vehicles have gone off roads. We extend our support to the All Assam Motor Workers Joint Council demanding roll back of the law,” Somani added.

Somani said that while the Congress acknowledges the importance of accountability in road safety, the party thinks the severity of the proposed penalties may discourage the drivers to take the vehicles on road fearing the harsh legal consequences.

“APCC and AIPC emphasises the necessity of a legal framework that not only holds individuals accountable but also addresses the root causes of accidents and ensures fair treatment for all parties involved. Moreover, the Congress shares the concerns raised by the truck drivers regarding potential mob violence at accident sites. The fear of violence may force drivers to escape the scene, compromising the proper investigation of incidents and hindering the delivery of justice,” Somani added.

Meanwhile, majority of the commercial vehicles stayed off road across Assam on Friday due to the 48-hour strike called by the transporters’ unions in protest against the new law.