Truck drivers from various states, including Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, are currently demonstrating against the proposed stringent penalties outlined in the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita for hit-and-run incidents. The newly proposed law suggests a substantial increase in the penalties for such cases compared to the previous two years under the IPC. This protest has triggered a surge in panic buying, with people lining up at petrol pumps in cities like Nagpur since Monday night. To address the situation, the Ministry of Home Affairs is set to convene a meeting with representatives of the truckers this evening. Home Secretary A K Bhalla will be in discussions with the All India Motor Transport Congress at 7 pm today in response to the ongoing protests.
On Tuesday, numerous fuel stations in Himachal Pradesh were refusing service to motorists, citing depleted stock, as the transportation of petrol and diesel was hindered by the ongoing truckers’ strike. The strike, initiated by truck, bus, and tanker operators in several states on Monday, is a protest against the more stringent penalties outlined in the new legislation concerning hit-and-run cases. According to the proposed Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, intended to replace the Indian Penal Code, drivers responsible for severe road accidents due to negligent driving, who then flee without informing authorities, could face imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of Rs 7 lakh.
Most petrol pumps in Dharamshala, Kullu-Manali, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Una and Shimla were turning away customers, while massive queues were seen outside the ones still in operation.
District authorities of Hamirpur, Una and Bilaspur have issued directions for rationing of fuel.
In Manali, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, however, said the situation was under control but it could worsen if the strike continued.
