In India, the new hit and run law under the Indian Penal Code imposes severe penalties on motorists who flee from the scene of an accident. Under the law, a driver who flees the scene after a hit-and-run accident faces up to 10 years in jail and a fine of ₹7 lakh.
This rule also applies to owners of private vehicles. The new law aims to reduce cases of hit-and-runs, which claim about 50,000 lives in India every year. The penalties in defense cases under the new law are much higher as compared to the previous penalties under the Indian Penal Code. Under the new law, the penalties in cases involving self-defense are as follows: Imprisonment for 10 years, ₹7 lakh fine.
Why the new hit and run rules?
In India, new hit and run legislation was introduced under the Indian Penal Code to address the important issue of hit and run accidents and their consequences
The main reasons for the new rules are:
Reduce hit-and-run cases: The new law aims to reduce hit-and-run accidents, which claim nearly 50,000 lives in India every year
Increase liability: To increase the liability of drivers involved in such accidents, the law provides for higher penalties in cases of hit-and-run, imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines ₹7 lakh ho
Updating the legal system: The new law will replace the British-era Indian Penal Code (IPC) with a criminal justice system, including amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Evidence Act
Give victims more opportunities: A new law gives victims the right to speak at trial, which could help ensure fair legal procedures for accident victims when they have been ambushed and run over
Promoting road safety: By imposing tougher penalties in hit-and-run cases, the new law aims to promote road safety and discourage risky driving behaviour they have come true
What is the reaction of the drivers?
Truck drivers across India are protesting against the new hit and run rules under the Indian Penal Code instead of under the Indian Penal Code.
Broad paradox:
Truck drivers across India are protesting against the new hit-and-run law due to its harsh penalties.
The All India Motor Transport Congress is recalling the rules for fear of harassment.
Driver concerns:
Drivers feel the rules are strict and the fines are too many, causing financial hardship.
They fear it will discourage current drivers and deter newcomers from entering the industry.
False accusations and out-of-control accidents can result in wrongful 10-year sentences.
Impact of opposition groups:
Massive waste of transportation and supply.
More than 70% of the estimated 1.20 million trucks, tempos and containers in Mumbai are off-road, potentially affecting the movement of fuel and essential supplies
The three-day strike is likely to affect distribution of fuel and essential commodities.
Similar protests are taking place in other parts of the country.
The lives of truck drivers and the future of the industry are in jeopardy because of the new rules.
Objections highlight concerns about fairness and the unintended consequences of legislation.
Will the government withdraw the new hit and run law?
The government has not expressed any intention to withdraw the new hit and run law in India. The object of the rules introduced under the Indian Penal Code is to deal with the important issue of collision accidents and their consequences.
Drivers who flee from the scene of an accident face stiff penalties, including 10 years imprisonment and a fine of ₹7 lakh.
The government has stressed that the new law is aimed at reducing the number of cases against people who commit around 50,000 murders in India every year. Despite protests and protests from truck drivers, the government has not officially commented on the deregulation.
The All India Motor Transport Congress has expressed concern over the new policy and called for a recall, but the government’s response is that it may withdraw.
