The Federation of Karnataka Truck Owners Association declared on Saturday that it will initiate an indefinite strike starting January 17 in protest against the newly introduced hit-and-run law.
According to a report in Zee News, C. Naveen Reddy, President of the association, revealed that the decision to strike was reached during a meeting held to discuss the implications of the new law.
According to Reddy, the contentious provision in the law involves the seizure of a driver's license when an accident occurs in a foreign country.
He argued that this would pose significant challenges for truck drivers, as they would be compelled to secure bail from local authorities related to the incident. The association's primary demand is the immediate removal of this provision from the law.
Reddy further outlined additional grievances, including the release of seized trucks in accident cases and the reduction of fines imposed for causing unnecessary traffic congestion.
He emphasized the widespread concern among drivers nationwide regarding the proposed substantial fines and ten-year imprisonment for hit-and-run cases.
Expressing frustration, Reddy criticized the government's unilateral decision-making process, asserting that it was made without consulting truck owners or representatives from the transport sector. He argued that such decisions by the Central government could discourage drivers from pursuing their profession.
Calling for a reconsideration of the stringent laws in the proposed act, Reddy urged authorities to consider the interests of the truck industry and drivers. Vice President Srinivasa Rao, Suresh, Mansoor Ibrahim, and General Secretary Narayana Prasad were also present during the press conference where these concerns were raised.
Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, set to replace the Indian Penal Code, drivers who run away without informing authorities after being involved in serious road accidents due to negligent driving face up to 10 years in prison or a fine of Rs 7 lakh. The punishment in such cases was two years in the British-era Indian Penal Code (IPC).
