STRIKE ENDS! 'Hit and Run Law' put on hold

New Delhi : The nationwide strike by truckers has been called off after an assurance was given by the government that the new 'Hit and Run law' will be implemented after a consultation with the stakeholders. 

"We engaged in a dialogue with representatives from the All India Motor Transport Congress... The government's stance is that the new rule has not been enforced yet. We collectively emphasize that, prior to the implementation of Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita 106/2, thorough discussions will be held with representatives from the All India Motor Transport Congress. Only after such consultations will a decision be made," said Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla this evening.

"The newly proposed laws have not been put into effect. Their implementation will occur only following consultations with the All India Transport Congress," affirmed Bal Malkit, the chairman of the AIMTC's core committee.

The protests had extended to various states, encompassing Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, Punjab, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

According to the recent legislation, hit-and-run incidents may result in a maximum imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of ₹7 lakh, contrasting with the existing penalty of a two-year jail term and a lesser fine. The highest penalty of 10 years will be applicable in cases where the perpetrator, through reckless driving, causes a fatality and leaves the scene without reporting the incident to the police.