The Supreme Court issued a series of important interim directions aimed at improving emergency medical response and trauma care across the country. The Court directed all States and Union Territories to integrate various emergency helpline numbers, including ambulance services, into the unified emergency number 112 within three months.
A bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Atul S. Chandurkar passed the order while hearing a public interest petition filed by SaveLIFE Foundation seeking stronger trauma care and road safety measures in India.
Background of the Case
The petition was filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, raising concerns over delays in emergency medical assistance after road accidents and the absence of a uniform trauma care system across States.
The petitioners argued that many accident victims lose their lives because timely medical help does not reach them. They also highlighted hesitation among bystanders to assist victims due to fear of police procedures and legal complications.
The Court noted that the issue of trauma care directly relates to the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Referring to the earlier judgment in SaveLIFE Foundation v. Union of India, the bench observed that Good Samaritan protections had already been recognized and later incorporated into Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles Act after the 2019 amendment.
Court’s Observations
The bench said the responses filed by States and Union Territories showed willingness to improve trauma care systems, but implementation remained “fragmented” and uneven across the country.
“The right to trauma care of citizens is an integral part of right to life enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution of India,” the Court observed.
The Court further remarked that in accident situations, “every minute spent without medical intervention or urgent care significantly narrows the scope for survival.”
During the hearing, Attorney General R. Venkataramani informed the Court that the Union Government had already introduced several schemes and guidelines, including the PM RAHAT cashless treatment scheme, Good Samaritan Rules, National Ambulance Code and ERSS-112 system. However, implementation by States remained inconsistent.
Directions Issued by the Supreme Court
The Court directed all States and UTs to complete technical and operational integration of emergency numbers such as 100, 101, 102, 108, 1033 and 1091 with helpline 112 within three months.
The bench also ordered States to establish physical and digital grievance redressal systems for Good Samaritans with designated nodal officers at State and district levels.
Among other directions, the Court asked authorities to:
Ensure GPS and vehicle tracking systems in all ambulances;
Conduct structured audits of ambulance services;
Implement standardized EMT training curriculum;
Establish State Trauma Registries;
Grade medical facilities for trauma care capability;
Fully operationalize the PM RAHAT cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims.
The Court clarified that failure to implement the PM RAHAT scheme would amount to a violation of the Motor Vehicles Act.
Court’s Decision
The Supreme Court directed that copies of the order be sent to Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories for compliance. States have been asked to submit action taken reports within the timelines fixed by the Court.
The matter has now been listed after four months for further consideration and monitoring of compliance.
Case Details
Case Title: SaveLIFE Foundation & Another v. Union of India & Others
Case Number: Writ Petition (Civil) No. 726 of 2024
Judges: Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar
Decision Date: May 26, 2026
