Tripura Private Transport Majdoor Mahasangha Stage Massive Protest Against New Hit and Run Bill 2023

Agartala, January 3, 2024: In a bold demonstration against the impending Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, which includes a revised hit-and-run law, members of the Tripura Private Transport Workers’ Union gathered at the City Center today to voice their dissent.

The new legislation, set to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), has drawn widespread criticism, particularly from truck drivers who fear the increased penalties it imposes for road accidents. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the maximum sentence for causing death in a road accident has been raised to 10 years, a significant jump from the previous two-year maximum under the IPC.

The specific section of the bill pertaining to hit-and-run incidents reads, “Whoever causes the death of any person by doing any rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine.”

The most contentious aspect of the new law, according to protesters, is the provision that allows for a punishment of ₹7 lakh and a maximum ten-year prison sentence if the offender flees the scene or fails to report the crime promptly.

Transport workers argue that such stringent measures would disproportionately affect them, given the nature of their profession and the challenges they face on the road. The increased penalties, they claim, do not take into account the complexities of their work environment, where accidents can occur due to various factors beyond their control.

The protest at the City Center saw a significant turnout of union members, with banners and placards expressing their concerns about the potential impact of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill on their livelihoods. The demonstrators called for a reevaluation of the legislation and urged the government to consider the unique challenges faced by transport workers in the execution of their duties.

The bill, slated to come into effect in April 2024, is currently awaiting presidential assent. The protest by the Tripura Private Transport Workers’ Union highlights the growing tension surrounding the proposed legislation and the need for a balanced approach that addresses concerns from all stakeholders in the transport industry.