The decision to notify the rules came after an intervention from the Supreme Court in a case filed by Savelife Foundation. The guidelines were released last year, but were never followed as they were not binding. Many bystanders simply walk away from an accident as the thought of being harassed by the police and becoming a witness in the
case is overwhelming. Under the new rules a ‘good Samaritan’ can leave the hospital after furnishing his address. There will be no compulsion to give personal details including phone number. Also, the decision to become a witness is voluntary.
The rules framed by the ministry could be a game changer, but much depends on the manner in which they are implemented
and how long it takes for State governments to come on board.
Studies suggest that 50 per cent of accident victims would have
survived if rushed to a hospital quickly. The ‘good Samaritan’
rules will encourage more people to act without the thought of
harassment, instead of walking away from an accident scene.
