In Tripura, protests and demonstrations have erupted in response to the recent provisions announced in the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), specifically concerning hit-and-run cases. The new law, which has replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), introduces stringent penalties for drivers who cause serious road accidents and subsequently flee the scene without reporting to the authorities. Under the BNS, such offenders could face up to 10 years of imprisonment and a substantial fine amounting to Rs 7 lakh.
On Wednesday, a substantial number of vehicle drivers, organized under the banner of Tripura Private Transport Mazdoor Maha Sangh, staged a protest against these provisions, asserting that the new law is excessively severe and could result in unjust punishments. Suman Shil, the General Secretary of Tripura Private Transport Mazdoor Maha Sangh, conveyed concerns from the protest spot at the capital city’s City Center. Shil argued, “The new hit-and-run law introduced by the government is completely unfair for the vehicle drivers. If implemented, all the drivers will stop working, and this would lead to a serious impact on the transport system across the state.”
Similar sentiments were echoed in Kailasahar, where the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangha (BMS) organized a protest against the new hit-and-run law. The demonstration led to a road blockade, causing disruption for daily commuters, including office-goers, school students, and emergency vehicles. Although the road blockade was eventually lifted after an hour, the impact on Wednesday’s commuters was substantial.
The CITU-AIRTWF also announced movements against what they referred to as the government’s ‘monstrous bill’ of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita 2023. The All India Road Transport Workers’ Federation (AIRTWF), backed by the union, strongly criticized the new bill, describing it as draconian and biased against larger vehicles. Amal Chakraborty, the leader of the federation, expressed concerns that the proposed law fails to prioritize security measures for drivers and is fundamentally unfair to transport workers nationwide.
The protesting unions and organizations are collectively urging the government to reconsider and repeal the decision, emphasizing that failure to comply with this demand may lead to a more extensive and intensified movement. The widespread discontent and opposition in Tripura underscore the significant implications of the new hit-and-run law, with various groups expressing apprehensions about its potential adverse effects on the transport industry and workers throughout the country.
