Maharashtra: Truck drivers stage protest at several places in state

Truck drivers blocked traffic on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Mira Bhayandar area of Thane district and stopped traffic on the Sion-Panvel highway at Kalamboli in Raigad district

On the second consecutive day, truck drivers staged protests at several places in Maharashtra on Wednesday against the stringent penal provisions for hit-and-run cases under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), reported news agency PTI.

Truck drivers blocked traffic on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Mira Bhayandar area of Thane district and stopped traffic on the Sion-Panvel highway at Kalamboli in Raigad district, one of the leaders of the agitators said, reported PTI.

Road blockades were also staged at some places in Vidarbha and western Maharashtra, he said, reported PTI.

The drivers continued to protest despite a written assurance by the Union government and appeals by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), reported PTI.

"The letter put to rest the rumours and apprehensions that the government has not given anything in writing about implementation of clause 106(2) regarding hit and run cases under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita," said Bal Malkit Singh, chairman of the core committee and former president of AIMTC, sharing a letter dated January 8, 2024, of the Union government, reported PTI.

As truck drivers staged protest, a truckers' leader told PTI that some other leaders were instigating the drivers though the union government's letter has been shared in drivers' groups.

A member of petrol pump dealers association in Maharashtra said at Manmad, Miraj and other locations, some drivers had stopped refilling fuel tankers at fuel depots a day before, but the refilling resumed since the morning, reported PTI.

Fuel supply is less likely to be affected, unlike last week, as there were ample stocks with petrol pumps, he added, reported PTI.

Last week, fuel supply was affected in some parts of the country due to the drivers' agitation, reported PTI.

Under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, drivers who cause a serious road accident by negligent driving and run away without informing the police or any official from the administration can face punishment of up to 10 years and a fine of Rs 7 lakh.

Many transporters and farmer organisations have criticised the new law and demanded its immediate repeal.

Earlier, Home Ministry said that the Centre has taken cognizance of the concerns of truckers regarding the provision of 10 years imprisonment and fine, under Section 106 (2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita after a detailed discussion was held with the representatives of the All India Motor Transport Congress on January 2.

(With inputs from PTI)

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