January 16, 2024
- Truck, bus and tanker drivers across India launched a strike to oppose the provision associated with hit-and-run cases under the freshly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
- As per the new law, drivers who cause serious accidents and flee without reporting the accident to the police or other authorities will have to pay a fine of ₹7 lakh or face imprisonment of up to 10 years.
- Transporters claim that the new law is harsh and may lead to unjust accusations against them even when the accident might not be their fault. They also stated that the law would affect their livelihood and create discouragement.
- Highways and roads were blocked by protestors. The three-day strike, which began on January 1, disrupted transport services, fuel supply and the supply of essential goods in many states including Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
- Transporters were agitated that the law was passed without engaging stakeholders. They appealed to the government that their grievances be addressed. The strike was withdrawn after the government assured a new hit-and-run law.
