Daily Current Affairs : 4-January-2023

A hit-and-run case occurs when a person involved in a road accident leaves the scene without stopping to identify themselves or provide assistance to the injured parties. This often results in legal consequences to ensure accountability.

Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS): Stricter Regulations for Hit-and-Run Cases

BNS, a recently implemented law in India, has replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code. It introduces stringent regulations, particularly under Section 106, for drivers involved in serious accidents who fail to inform the authorities. The law now mandates up to 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of Rs 7 lakh for offenders, aligning with the Supreme Court’s recommendations for stricter actions against reckless drivers fleeing accident scenes.

Truck Unions’ Concerns and Protests

Truck drivers across India are protesting the BNS provisions, specifically their fears of additional criminal liability under Section 106. This apprehension has led to a nationwide call for a strike as truck unions voice their concerns about the potential impact on their livelihoods.

  • Fear of Criminal Liability: Truck drivers are concerned about the increased punishment, fearing it might disproportionately affect them in accidents, whether or not they are at fault.
  • Impact on Livelihoods: The protest highlights the economic implications for truck drivers, who believe that the stringent penalties could jeopardize their ability to earn a livelihood.
Potential Solutions: Government Consultation and Comprehensive Policy

In response to the protests, the government has engaged in talks with the All-India Motor Transport Congress. The proposed solution involves implementing BNS only after thorough consultation with stakeholders, addressing concerns and ensuring a more balanced approach.

  • Government-Union Dialogue: The ongoing talks aim to create a dialogue between the government and truck unions to address specific concerns and find common ground.
  • Comprehensive Accident Prevention Policy: The controversy emphasizes the need for a comprehensive accident prevention policy that covers aspects such as imprisonment, compensation, and safety. Striking a balance between punitive measures and preventive strategies is crucial for road safety.
Important Points:
  • Hit-and-Run Cases:
    • Involves leaving the scene of a road accident without stopping or providing assistance.
    • Results in legal consequences to ensure accountability.
  • Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) Regulations:
    • Replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code in India.
    • Imposes stricter regulations, particularly under Section 106, for serious accidents.
    • Mandates up to 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of Rs 7 lakh for offenders.
    • Aligned with Supreme Court recommendations for stringent actions against reckless drivers.
  • Truck Driver Protests:
    • Fears of additional criminal liability under BNS Section 106.
    • Nationwide strike by truck unions to voice concerns about potential livelihood impacts.
  • Concerns Raised by Truck Unions:
    • Fear of increased punishment disproportionately affecting truck drivers.
    • Economic implications for truck drivers, jeopardizing their ability to earn a livelihood.
  • Government Response and Solutions:
    • Ongoing talks between the government and All-India Motor Transport Congress.
    • Proposal to implement BNS only after thorough consultation with stakeholders.
    • Focus on creating a balanced approach that addresses concerns and ensures fairness.
  • Dialogue and Collaboration:
    • Importance of government-union dialogue to address specific concerns.
    • Emphasis on the need for a comprehensive accident prevention policy.
    • Striking a balance between punitive measures and preventive strategies for effective road safety.
Why In News

Truck, bus, and tanker drivers across India are protesting against the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for hit-and-run cases, asserting that the stringent penalties outlined in the law disproportionately affect their livelihoods and demanding a comprehensive review of its provisions.

MCQs about Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS)

  1. What does a hit-and-run case involve?
    A. Stopping at the accident scene
    B. Identifying oneself after a road accident
    C. Leaving the accident scene without stopping
    D. Providing assistance to injured parties
    Correct Answer: C. Leaving the accident scene without stopping
    Explanation: A hit-and-run case refers to leaving the accident scene without stopping to identify oneself or providing assistance.
  2. What penalty does Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) impose for serious accidents under Section 106?
    A. 5 years of imprisonment
    B. A fine of Rs 5 lakh
    C. Up to 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of Rs 7 lakh
    D. No penalties specified
    Correct Answer: C. Up to 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of Rs 7 lakh
    Explanation: BNS mandates up to 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of Rs 7 lakh for serious accidents under Section 106.
  3. Why are truck drivers protesting the BNS provisions?
    A. Fear of reduced penalties
    B. Opposition to government talks
    C. Concerns about criminal liability under Section 106
    D. Support for stricter regulations
    Correct Answer: C. Concerns about criminal liability under Section 106
    Explanation: Truck drivers are protesting due to fears of additional criminal liability under Section 106 of BNS.

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