For the second consecutive day, widespread disruptions in commuter traffic unfolded nationwide as truck and bus drivers voiced their dissent against recent government legislation. Cities experienced long queues at petrol pumps, and commuters encountered difficulties due to bus operator and driver strikes. The impact extended to the supply chain, affecting the availability of essential goods like petrol, vegetables, and fruits.
Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS)
The root of the unrest lies in the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which includes provisions related to hit-and-run cases. The newly introduced penalties for such incidents, particularly the possibility of a 10-year jail term for fleeing without reporting fatal accidents, have sparked anxiety among drivers. Under the previous legislation, drivers faced imprisonment for up to two years under IPC Section 304A (death by negligence).
Reports from NH-34
Reports from NH-34 in Bulandshahr depict a gathering of drivers causing traffic blockades in opposition to the law. Jagat Pal Sharma, a 46-year-old truck driver, voiced the shared concerns of many drivers, stating, “We only earn Rs 10,000-12,000 as a salary. How can I afford to pay lakhs of rupees as a fine? This poses a direct threat to our livelihoods.
Truck and bus drivers
For the second consecutive day, truck and bus drivers, along with petrol pumps, are staging widespread protests across the nation, leading to severe disruptions in commuter traffic and essential supply chains. The demonstrations are in opposition to the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which introduces harsh penalties, including a potential 10-year jail term, for hit-and-run cases. The protesting drivers argue that these stringent measures pose a significant threat to their livelihoods, while concerns rise about potential price hikes in commodities if the protests persist. Cities witness long queues at petrol pumps, and bus operators’ strikes compound the challenges faced by commuters.