HIT AND RUN LAW IN INDIA Syllabus GS Paper 2 – Governance)

Context: Recently, as transporters across the country went on strike to protest the proposed increase in punishment for hit-and-run cases under the yet-to-be-implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Hit-and-Run Law in India

• About: The new hit-and-run law in India, integrated into the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), has replaced the previous Indian Penal Code (IPC), bringing about significant changes in the legal framework.
• Penalties: Offenders causing a serious road accident through negligence and failing to report to authorities can be subjected to up to 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of Rs 7 lakh.
• Defining Hit-and-Run: The law precisely defines a hit-and-run accident as a situation where a driver, involved in an accident with another property, pedestrian, or vehicle, flees without providing necessary aid or exchanging crucial details such as insurance information.
• BNS vs. Previous Legislation: Before the enactment of BNS, hit-and-run cases were addressed under Section 304A of the Indian Penal Code. 

oThe previous penalties were comparatively lenient, with offenders facing a maximum imprisonment of up to two years upon identification.

• Shifting Paradigm: The implementation of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita reflects a substantial shift towards stricter consequences for hit-and-run offenses in India. 

oThis legislative move signifies a commitment to addressing such incidents more rigorously and promoting road safety.