New laws not in force, says Centre after meeting with transport workers body amid strike by workers

The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has acknowledged the concerns raised by truckers over the provisions of the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (Indian Penal Code) related to road accidents. The law includes stricter penalties, including a 10-year imprisonment term and fines, for hit-and-run incidents. 

The government stated that the decision to invoke these provisions will be made only after consultation with the All India Motor Transport Congress. The new laws and provisions have not yet come into force, and the government emphasized the importance of discussing the matter with the transport representatives before any decisions are made. Truckers have been protesting nationwide against the law, leading to disruptions in the delivery of goods and concerns about potential fuel shortages. The government urged the All India Motor Transport Congress and drivers to return to their respective jobs. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla emphasized that the new rule has not been implemented, and any decision regarding Section 106(2) of the Bharatiya 

Nyay Sanhita would be made in consultation with the transport congress. The President of All India Motor Transport Congress, Amrit Lal Madan, announced that the ten-year punishment and fine imposed by the government would be put on hold until the next meeting of the transport congress is held.

श्रमिकों की हड़ताल के बीच परिवहन कर्मचारी निकाय के साथ बैठक के बाद केंद्र ने कहा, नए कानून लागू नहीं हैं।