Tripura: Drivers stage protest against new hit-and-run laws

The drivers argued that not only would this impact their livelihood and the transportation system, but it could also have far-reaching consequences for the entire economy

Along with the rest of the nation, drivers took to the streets in Agartala on Wednesday, staging strikes and agitating over the demand to repeal the recent changes in hit-and-run laws that amplify jail terms and fines for such offences.

Members of the Tripura Private Transport Mazdoor Maha Sangh, affiliated with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), gathered at Agartala City Center in Paradise Chowmhuni, with banners protesting against the newly proposed law.

They voiced concerns that the heightened penalties for drivers involved in ‘hit-and-run’ accidents would instill fear, making it challenging for any driver to operate.

The drivers argued that not only would this impact their livelihood and the transportation system, but it could also have far-reaching consequences for the entire economy.

Notably, truck drivers, in particular, are leading protests against these provisions, even though the law has not been implemented yet.

Government supporters, however, defended the need for stricter laws, citing the alarming rise in annual road accident fatalities.

The recently passed Indian Judicial Code law by Parliament introduced stringent provisions concerning ‘hit-and-run’ incidents.

Under the new law, drivers can face imprisonment for up to 10 years for fleeing and not reporting a fatal accident, a significant increase from the previous maximum of two years under Section 304A of the IPC causing death by negligence.

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