On January 2nd, long queues were seen outside petrol pumps in some parts of the country reportedly due to a shortage of fuel. Later it was ascertained that Truckers were demonstrating against the New Hit And Run Law. After two days, Truck Drivers decided to end their strike when Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla stated that the implementation of the new penal provision related to hit-and-run cases will only occur after consultation with the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC). But what is this new hit and run law and why did the drivers resort to protest. Let’s find out. The recently enacted Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita introduces stringent penalties for hit-and-run incidents in India. The law specifies that an accused individual causing a fatal crash and fleeing the scene without reporting to authorities could face imprisonment for up to 10 years along with a fine of upto Rs 7 lakh. Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita has established two distinct categories under the umbrella of "causing death by negligence". As per national media reports, any rash or careless act that does not qualify as culpable homicide falls under the first category. The offenders in this category could be fined and imprisoned for up to five years. The second category addresses death caused by rash and negligent driving, not amounting to culpable homicide. In this category, individuals who escape the site without promptly reporting the incident may be subjected up to 10 years of imprisonment and fine up to Rs. 7 lakh. Despite the road safety intentions of the law, experts say that there is a need to define how a driver will address the authority about the incident at the moment. They have also highlighted the need to safeguard the drivers to prevent potential misuse of this provision. Earlier, individuals charged under the hit and run law used to face penalties of up to two years in jail upon identification. The introduction of the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita signifies a substantial shift towards more severe consequences for hit and run offenses in India. We will have to wait and watch to see if govt implements this or amends the law before enforcing.