Nationwide Protest by Truck Drivers

Why did the protest start?

Truck drivers all over India protested against a new law in the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This new criminal code includes stricter punishments for hit-and-run cases. The BNS has replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The new law states that if a truck driver or a private vehicle owner leaves the accident without telling the authorities, they might have to go to jail for up to 10 years and/or pay a fine of Rs. 7 lakh. The truck drivers think this rule is too strict and should be changed.

What was the old law?

The old rule was not very strict. It said people might go to jail for up to 2 years and could even get bail. But the government changed it. They made the new law to reduce hit-and-run incidents. The government says many people die in India because of such accidents, as they don't get help on time.

However, if the involved individual helps the person by taking them to the hospital, they might face less punishment. The police also encourage citizens to report such cases to help save the victims.

What was the effect of the protest?

The protest worried many people, so they started buying things because they thought there might be stock shortages. Trucks are the main way of transporting goods and supplies all over the country. Many petrol stations in India also ran out of fuel because people bought more than needed, thinking there might be a problem with the supply.

The opposition party also criticised the government for making a rule that caused a protest. Thankfully, the protest has been called off.

Why did the truck drivers call off the protest?

The truck drivers stopped protesting because the government promised to talk with the transport authority that represents them before implementing the new law. The government also said the new law hasn't been applied yet. They will decide whether to apply it only after discussing it with the transport authority.