According to the newly approved Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, hit-and-run incidents will now carry a fine of INR 7 lakh and a 10-year jail sentence. In response to this, transport workers across India have launched a nationwide strike. The new penal law has been met with opposition from truckers, taxi drivers, motorists and bus operators.
Amid this, petrol pumps in Mumbai and Nagpur witnessed long queues on Tuesday, January 2, as people came to fill up their vehicle tanks fearing shortage of fuel.
Impact on the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR)
The strike has had a significant impact on the MMR, with over 70% of its estimated 1.20 lakh trucks, tempos, and containers being non-functional on Monday, January 1. The three-day strike is expected to disrupt fuel delivery and the availability of fruits and vegetables.
The All India Motor Transport Congress reports that 35% of the big trucks on the road are transporting necessities like LPG and petrol. The daily strike losses amount to between INR 120 and INR 150 crore in MMR alone.
A few incidents of violence and roadblocks throughout MMR were also reported on Monday, January 1. This resulted in an enormous traffic gridlock that blocked the route for more than four hours.
The New Law
The new law represents a significant change from Section 304A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). This law stipulates a two-year sentence for causing death by negligence.
Truckers have voiced their opposition to the new provisions, calling the law "black law." They believe that the driver of the vehicle will always be booked, regardless of their own fault. They have declared that they will not load fuel or transport produce unless the amendment is removed.
Impact on Other Places
The strike has also had a partial impact on other states. This includes Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar. The strike has also affected the resupply of at least 1,500 tankers in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
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