Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 538/15

PROTECTION OF GOOD SAMARITANS FROM LEGAL AND PROCEDURAL HASSLES

Shillong, 7th Aug 15: The Ministry Of Road Transport And Highways, Government of India, vide its Notification No.25035/101/2014-RS in compliance with the order of the Supreme Court of India in the case of Save life Foundation V/s Union Territory of India, have notified guidelines for protection of those who help victims of road accidents from the legal and procedural hassles.

The guidelines specify procedures to be followed by hospitals, police and other concerned authorities in order to create a supportive environment for bystanders to come forward and help victims of road accidents. An important guideline of the notification provides that a bystander or good Samaritan including an eyewitness of a road accident may take an injured to the nearest hospital and he/she will be allowed to leave immediately after furnishing address by the eyewitness only and no question will be asked to such bystander or good Samaritan. He/She shall not be liable for any civil or criminal liability. Further, disciplinary or departmental action shall be initiated by the Government concerned against public officials who coerce or intimidate a bystander or good Samaritan for revealing his name or personal details.

All hospitals are required to publish a charter in Hindi, English and the vernacular language of the state or Union territory at the entrance to the effect that they shall not detain the bystander or good Samaritan or ask for money to be deposited by them for the treatment of a victim. If desired by the bystander or good Samaritan the hospital shall provide acknowledgement confirming that an injured person was brought to the hospital and the time and place of such occurrence in a standard format prepared by the state government and disseminated to all hospitals in the State for incentivizing the bystander or good Samaritan.

Concerned departments have been directed to immediately start implementing the guidelines and ensure that Police and hospital officials interfacing with the general public in cases of road accidents are aware of the guidelines.