Motorists in Hyderabad are facing difficulties as many fuel outlets in the city are running out of stock due to a strike by truck and bus drivers. The drivers are protesting against a new provision in the proposed Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which includes a penalty of Rs 7 lakh and a ten-year jail term for hit and run cases. This new law replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and increases the punishment for fleeing an accident spot without reporting it.
Previously, under Section 304A of the IPC, the accused would only be jailed for up to two years. However, the new provision has led to truck drivers going on strike, causing a shortage of supplies to petrol bunks. The All India Motor Transport Congress believes that this rule will unfairly harass drivers.
As a result, motorists are panicking and rushing to fill up their vehicles, even though most petrol bunks have put up ‘No Stock’ boards. Long queues have been observed at many places in the city. Talks are currently underway between the drivers and the government to resolve the issue and resume supply. The administration is hopeful that a solution will be reached soon to avoid inconvenience for motorists.
