A Punjab Cabinet sub-committee has assured transporters that it will convey their concerns regarding the newly proposed hit-and-run law to the Centre. The law, introduced under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), is set to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and imposes stringent penalties on drivers involved in serious road accidents who flee the scene without reporting the incident.
During a meeting held on Tuesday, the sub-committee, comprising Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, engaged with representatives from various truck and taxi unions in Punjab. An official release noted that the discussions centered on the provisions under Section 106 (2) of the BNS, which outlines punishments for causing death due to rash and negligent driving and subsequently failing to report the incident to a police officer or magistrate.
Under the proposed law, drivers found guilty of causing severe road accidents can face up to ten years in prison or a fine of ₹7 lakh. These harsh penalties have raised alarm among transport unions, prompting them to express their grievances during the meeting. A significant concern highlighted by union representatives was the potential for mob violence against drivers following an accident, which often leads to manhandling and damage to commercial vehicles.
In response to these concerns, the sub-committee assured union representatives that it would advocate for necessary arrangements to protect drivers in such situations while discussing the law with the Union government. “We understand the fears of the transport unions regarding the safety of their members,” said Minister Dhaliwal. “We will ensure that the Centre is made aware of these concerns and that measures are put in place to safeguard drivers involved in accidents.”
Furthermore, the sub-committee directed the Punjab police department to take strict action against individuals who physically assault drivers in the aftermath of road accidents. This step aims to instill confidence among transporters that their safety and rights will be protected under the new law.
The meeting also addressed another pressing issue raised by the transport unions: the operation of illegal commercial vehicles. In light of this concern, the sub-committee instructed both the transport and police departments to initiate immediate action against such vehicles engaged in commercial activities without proper authorization. “We are committed to ensuring that the transport sector operates fairly and legally,” Finance Minister Cheema stated. “Illegal vehicles not only pose a threat to legitimate operators but also jeopardize the safety of the public.”
The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Secretary (Transport) Dilraj Singh, State Transport Commissioner Monish Kumar, ADGP (Intelligence) Jaskaran Singh, and various representatives from the transport and taxi unions. Their collective insights were crucial in shaping the sub-committee’s response to the concerns raised.
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The BNS aims to modernize India’s legal framework regarding traffic accidents and road safety, but its implementation has sparked debate among various stakeholders. While the intention behind the law is to enhance accountability and ensure justice for victims of road accidents, the fears voiced by transport unions highlight the need for a balanced approach that considers the rights and safety of drivers.
In the wake of this meeting, the Punjab government is expected to draft a formal communication outlining the concerns raised by the transport unions and the proposed recommendations for ensuring driver safety. This communication will be presented to the Union government as part of ongoing discussions regarding the implementation of the new hit-and-run law.
As the sub-committee prepares to address these issues with the Centre, transporters across Punjab are hopeful for a resolution that prioritizes their safety while maintaining accountability on the roads. The outcome of these discussions could significantly influence the future of road safety regulations and the welfare of those working within the transport sector in Punjab.
