NEW DELHI: AIMTC, the country’s largest truckers’ body, has written to PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to have a relook at the provision of up to 10-year jail for ‘Hit and Run’ cases where the offending driver doesn’t inform police or local magistrate. The truckers’ body has flagged the trend of police usually putting the blame of crashes on big vehicles without any scientific investigation and also how drivers face the risk of mob violence at the accident spot.
The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) said the law has been introduced without any consultation with stakeholders, especially representatives from the transport sector. Parliament last week passed the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and it has been notified by the government as well.
“It has sent shock waves across the transport industry. While we acknowledge the importance of road safety, this draconian law threatens the very backbone of our economy and supply chain. While the intent behind introducing stringent measures to address hit-and-run incidents may be benign, there are significant lacunae in the law that require urgent reconsideration. The transport sector and truck drivers, a vital contributor to the nation’s economy, are deeply apprehensive about the potential ramifications of this legislation,” the truckers’ body said.
It said India is currently grappling with a shortage of around 27% drivers in the transport industry and stringent provisions, including a 10-year jail term, have the potential to discourage individuals from entering or continuing in the profession. “There is an utter lack of accident investigation protocol in the country. The law does not outline a comprehensive investigation protocol for hit-and-run cases. Clarity is required on determining culpability, especially in situations where a vehicle is struck from behind or the fault lies with the driver of the smaller vehicle. Without a proper investigation, unjust accusations against certain vehicles may prevail,” AIMTC said.
Meanwhile, amid reports of truck drivers protesting against the new law, AIMTC appealed the drivers. “While we await the finalization of the rules and regulations, we sincerely appeal to all drivers to maintain patience during this transitional period. We understand that uncertainties can be stressful, but it is crucial to allow the due process to unfold. We are hopeful for a resolution that addresses both the safety of our roads and the legitimate worries of the driving community,” Bal Malkit Singh of AIMTC.
The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) said the law has been introduced without any consultation with stakeholders, especially representatives from the transport sector. Parliament last week passed the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and it has been notified by the government as well.
“It has sent shock waves across the transport industry. While we acknowledge the importance of road safety, this draconian law threatens the very backbone of our economy and supply chain. While the intent behind introducing stringent measures to address hit-and-run incidents may be benign, there are significant lacunae in the law that require urgent reconsideration. The transport sector and truck drivers, a vital contributor to the nation’s economy, are deeply apprehensive about the potential ramifications of this legislation,” the truckers’ body said.
It said India is currently grappling with a shortage of around 27% drivers in the transport industry and stringent provisions, including a 10-year jail term, have the potential to discourage individuals from entering or continuing in the profession. “There is an utter lack of accident investigation protocol in the country. The law does not outline a comprehensive investigation protocol for hit-and-run cases. Clarity is required on determining culpability, especially in situations where a vehicle is struck from behind or the fault lies with the driver of the smaller vehicle. Without a proper investigation, unjust accusations against certain vehicles may prevail,” AIMTC said.
Meanwhile, amid reports of truck drivers protesting against the new law, AIMTC appealed the drivers. “While we await the finalization of the rules and regulations, we sincerely appeal to all drivers to maintain patience during this transitional period. We understand that uncertainties can be stressful, but it is crucial to allow the due process to unfold. We are hopeful for a resolution that addresses both the safety of our roads and the legitimate worries of the driving community,” Bal Malkit Singh of AIMTC.
