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Jaipur Incident Highlights Strict Hit-and-Run Laws in BNS 2023

The Jaipur case has brought to the fore the imperative need for tougher laws to deter hit-and-run cases and provide justice to victims. Although the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 brings in reforms that are necessary, it is important to balance the enforcement of the laws with the realities of driving. There must be continuous dialogue between the government and stakeholders to develop a legal framework that is effective and equitable.

Legal Maestros April 14, 2025 2 min read

The Jaipur Incident

A terrible accident took place outside a nightclub in Jaipur on December 25, 2023. A man, Mangesh Arora, allegedly from Haryana, drove his SUV into a crowd of people following a verbal fight. The attack killed a young woman and injured another person. CCTV caught the terrifying moment, with the car deliberately running over the victims. Arora abandoned the scene but later turned himself in to the police. The incident shocked the country and caused widespread outrage.

Understanding the New Hit-and-Run Laws

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 has implemented stricter punishment for hit-and-run offenses. As per Section 106(1), if anyone causes death through rash or negligent driving but notifies the police or a magistrate, they can be sentenced to imprisonment for up to five years along with a fine. But Section 106(2) says that if the individual leaves the scene without reporting, the punishment can be up to ten years in jail and a fine.

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Public Reaction and Protests

The enactment of these strict laws has resulted in protests from several transporter associations and commercial drivers. They contend that the harsh punishments do not take into account the harsh conditions under which drivers drive, including long working hours and tough terrains. Additionally, there is fear of mob action if drivers make stops at accident sites, which could deter them from reporting accidents.

Government’s Response

In response to the agitation, the government has announced that the new legislation is intended to cut down the rate of hit-and-run cases, which have been a cause of major concern in India. The government has also promised that the enforcement of these laws will take into account the issues raised by the transport community. Negotiations are being held to hear out the issues and see that these laws are enforced in an equitable manner. citeturn0search0