NEW DELHI: Amid protests by truck and bus drivers across some states against the provision of up to 10 years jail for hit-and-run cases for those fleeing from the accident spot without informing police under the new law, truckers and transporters organisations appealed to the Centre to take immediate steps to address the issue before it escalates.
The country’s largest truckers’ body, AIMTC, had last week written to the prime minister and the home minister flagging the trend of police usually putting the blame of crashes on big vehicles without any scientific investigation and also how drivers faced the risk of mob violence at the accident spot. It had said the new provision in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has become a cause of concern for truck drivers.
“We appeal to drivers to maintain patience and uphold law and order during this critical period. Our primary goal is to engage in constructive dialogue with the authorities to find a resolution that is fair. We call upon the government to open channels for dialogue and work towards a solution that addresses concerns of all stakeholders,” said Bal Malkit Singh, chairman of AIMTC’s core committee.
A senior functionary of AITWA, another major transporters’ organisation, said trucks have been stranded in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan. “We have reached out to the home and transport ministries and other departments concerned. We understand that the law has several benefits but the few negative points will lead to immense harassment, extortion, unnecessary detention and legal consequences,” he said.
The country’s largest truckers’ body, AIMTC, had last week written to the prime minister and the home minister flagging the trend of police usually putting the blame of crashes on big vehicles without any scientific investigation and also how drivers faced the risk of mob violence at the accident spot. It had said the new provision in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has become a cause of concern for truck drivers.
“We appeal to drivers to maintain patience and uphold law and order during this critical period. Our primary goal is to engage in constructive dialogue with the authorities to find a resolution that is fair. We call upon the government to open channels for dialogue and work towards a solution that addresses concerns of all stakeholders,” said Bal Malkit Singh, chairman of AIMTC’s core committee.
A senior functionary of AITWA, another major transporters’ organisation, said trucks have been stranded in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan. “We have reached out to the home and transport ministries and other departments concerned. We understand that the law has several benefits but the few negative points will lead to immense harassment, extortion, unnecessary detention and legal consequences,” he said.