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Hit-and-run provisions delayed as first Agniveer batch prepares deployment

New criminal law provisions addressing hit-and-run offences remain unenforced despite the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita coming into effect, while India's armed forces prepare to induct their inaugural cohort of short-service military recruits.

LSN India · 26 October 2026

Hit-and-run provisions delayed as first Agniveer batch prepares deployment

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the Indian Penal Code as the country's primary criminal law framework, has been operationalised across most provisions. However, specific sections addressing hit-and-run incidents remain pending implementation, creating a temporary legal vacuum on the issue. Authorities have not announced a definitive timeline for activating these provisions, raising questions about enforcement during the interim period.

Meanwhile, the Indian armed forces are advancing recruitment under the Agnipath scheme, with the first batch of Agniveers completing their training and preparation for active deployment. The scheme introduced a short-service recruitment model allowing individuals to serve for four years, with a portion eligible for permanent commission post-completion. This marks a significant shift in armed forces recruitment strategy aimed at enhancing force modernisation and reducing long-term personnel costs.

The simultaneous developments underscore ongoing institutional transitions within India's defence and legal frameworks. Officials continue to work on harmonising the BNS rollout while the military gains operational experience with its new recruitment architecture. Both initiatives reflect structural reforms initiated by the government over recent years.