New Delhi: Truck drivers protesting against a provision in the new penal law on hit-and-run road accidents called off their nationwide strike on Tuesday after authorities assured to look into their demands. The Centre has assured that it would hold talks with them before implementing the provisions.
The protests were over increase in quantum of punishment in hit-and-run cases that came under the purview of the the new criminal code. The protesters decided to call off the strike on Tuesday night after an assurance from the Centre.
The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) called on Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on Tuesday during the course of which Bhalla had informed them that provisions under the new law has not been notified yet.
He also told them that the ministry would speak to AIMTC before implementing it. Following this, AIMTC made an appeal to drivers to end the strike. According to AIMTC Chairman Malkit Singh Bal, Section 106 (2) of the new law has a provision of up to 10 years' imprisonment and fine in 'hit-and-run' cases.
Transporters and truck drivers are opposed to this provision and they have also asked for non-implementation of the provision. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Indian Justice Code, Indian Civil Defence Code and Indian Evidence Act and it can be notified before January 26. The Home Ministry says that with this change, a system will be established through which any victim can get justice within 3 years.
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