Nationwide Transport Unions Rally Against Hit-and-Run Penal Law: Protest at Jantar Mantar and Rajghat
In a resounding display of dissent, transport unions from every corner of the country are gearing up to stage a mass protest at Jantar Mantar against the newly enacted penal law on hit-and-run cases. Kishan Verma, the president of the All Dilli Auto-Taxi Transport Congress Union, voiced strong objections, asserting that the government should have engaged stakeholders in consultation before finalizing these laws.
Verma highlighted their stance, stating, “We will hold a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar. These laws have the power to ruin families and are akin to capital punishment. Drivers don’t hit and run over people deliberately. Sometimes they flee the spot due to the fear of getting attacked by the people. Transport unions from across the country will be joining the protest,” as reported by PTI.
The protest, slated for Wednesday, is gaining momentum, with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh also confirming their participation. Additionally, another gathering is scheduled at Rajghat on Thursday, involving unions cutting across party lines, according to Rajendra Soni of Delhi Auto Rickshaw Sangh. Soni, associated with the transport union of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, warned of an impending strike if a solution remains elusive.
The focal point of the protests revolves around a stringent provision within the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This provision imposes a punishment of up to 10 years or a fine of ₹7 lakh if the driver flees the scene in a hit-and-run case without informing the police. The protests have already led to disruptions in fuel supply, triggering long queues outside petrol stations and prompting a panic-buying spree.
The impact extends beyond Delhi, with nationwide repercussions as transport unions from different states converge in solidarity. The protest is also sparking debates on the fairness and practicality of the penal law, prompting unions to demand a thorough review.
Pune Transport Unions Echo Opposition: Calls for Withdrawal of Section 104(1) in BNS Bill
As the uproar reverberates nationwide, transport associations and auto-rickshaw unions in Pune are echoing their opposition. They are calling for the withdrawal of Section 104(1) (death by negligence) in the newly proposed Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) Bill, 2023, before its official notification by the President of India.
Addressing a press conference at the Patrakar Bhavan in Pune, Baba Kamble, president of the National Auto Taxi Bus Transport Federation (NATBTF), criticized the government for introducing what he termed as yet another detrimental law instead of addressing drivers’ challenges. Kamble stressed the need for establishing a commission and instituting a welfare board to ensure the social security of drivers, given the substantial number of drivers in India.
Around 750 organizations are set to converge at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to protest against a newly proposed section in the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita bill. The new clause suggests a maximum penalty of ten years for individuals who flee the scene of an incident or neglect to report it promptly to a police officer or magistrate.
Amidst nationwide protests, transport unions based in Pune are urging the repeal of the contested bill and calling for the establishment of a commission to ensure the social security of drivers. The protests and demands indicate a growing rift between the government’s legislative decisions and the concerns of transport workers, setting the stage for potential nationwide strikes and disruptions if a resolution is not reached.
Fuel Stations across the country are going dry with Tank Lorry Transporters on Strike over the New Criminal Law Bills which punish drivers in “Hit & Run” cases with 10 years imprisonment & is non bailable. Drivers up in arms as they fear in unfortunate accidents even if they are… pic.twitter.com/1evYWnfROe
— Siddhant Das (@sidvick) January 1, 2024
