A mass protest has been announced by drivers across the nation against the newly introduced strict punishment for hit-and-run cases under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The normal life in Odisha also started getting affected after hundreds of drivers joined the ‘Quit steering wheel’ protest, putting several commercial vehicles, busses, and cars off-road, and showcasing anger over new laws.
It has been reported that the drivers from Odisha Driver Mahasangh (ODM) stagged the protest on the roads, blocking passage, which somehow affected overall traffic, and creating problems for the general public. The agitation was also seen in the state at multiple locations including Cuttack Netaji bus terminal, Balasore, Sambalpur, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Koraput, Berhampur, and others.
Here’s What ODM’s President Says
As per the details shared by Deccan Herald, ODM’s president Prashant Menduli said the driver’s body in different states discussed in New Delhi on Wednesday, where it was mutually decided to protest against the strict punishment for the drivers under new laws.
He also appealed to the drivers to protest against the new laws peacefully. In a video message, he said, “I appeal to all our brothers to stage dharna at block headquarters in a peaceful manner. All our brothers should follow the instructions of their respective block-level leaders. I also request all the driver brothers not to join the dharna in an inebriated condition. If any driver was found driving a vehicle, we should not misbehave with him rather we should apprise him politely.”
What is Hit-and-Run Case New Laws
As per the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’s (BNS) provision, if any drivers are found causing a serious accident on the road, killing anyone due to rash driving, or any negligence, they have to inform the police authorities. If the accused tries to run away from the scene without informing the authorities, they will face either a punishment of up to 10 years or a fine of Rs 7 lakh.
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