Truckers Protest New Law That Increases Jail Term For Road Accidents
NDTV
A change in the colonia-era criminal laws increasing jail term in hit-and-run cases has triggered truckers' protests across the country. Under the new law, drivers can be jailed for up to 10 years for fleeing and not reporting a fatal accident. Earlier, the accused could be jailed only for up to two years under Section 304A of the IPC (causing death by negligence).
Private bus operators have gone on strike today in Haryana's Jind while those running autos too have opened a new front against the new law. The truckers allege the new law will discourage drivers from their duty and also prevent new ones to take up the job.
The transporters say no one causes accidents intentionally and the drivers fear of being thrashed by a mob if they try to take the injured to hospital, demanding that the "black law" be repealed.
