Truckers Call Off Strike After Government's Assurance On Section 106/2 Of New Law
After the central government reached out to the protesting truck drivers, the ongoing strike by All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) has been called off. The government deliberations with the transporters went on till late evening on Tuesday and they were assured that the government will take a decision on implementing section 106/2 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita after holding discussions with the representatives of the AIMTC.
“We had a discussion with All India Motor Transport Congress representatives, govt want to say that the new rule has not been implemented yet, we all want to say that before implementing Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 106/2, we will have a discussion with All India Motor Transport Congress representatives and then only we will take a decision,” Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said in a statement.
In a separate statement, the Government of India has also said it has taken cognizance of the concerns of truckers regarding the provision of 10 years imprisonment and fine, under Section 106 (2) of the newly adopted law.
“The government wants to point out that these new laws and provisions have not yet come into force. We would also like to point out that the decision to invoke Section 106 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita will be taken only after consultation with the All India Motor Transport Congress. We appeal to All India Motor Transport Congress and all the drivers to return to their respective jobs,” the government statement.
According to the new law, which replaced the old colonial-era law, a driver who causes a serious accident and then runs the scene without informing the concerned officials or police can get stringent punishment – up to 10 years of imprisonment or a whopping Rs 7 Lakh fine. Previously, the hit and run provision included up to two years of imprisonment upon identification. The new law thus awards more rigorous punishment for the driver who hit and run an accident spot.
However, many expert claims that the new law needs comprehensive details or more clarity as to how drivers will inform the police when they are facing public anger in an accident situation.
