Top court issues interim directions on trauma care, ambulance compliance, PM RAHAT implementation and Good Samaritan protection in Savelife Foundation case.
The Supreme Court on May 26, 2026, directed all States and Union Territories to integrate emergency and ambulance helplines with the universal emergency number 112 within three months. The order covers helplines such as 100, 101, 102, 108, 1033, and 1091. The Court issued the directions while hearing a public interest litigation on road safety and trauma care systems across India.
A Bench comprising Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar passed the interim order in the case of Savelife Foundation and Another v. Union of India and Others. The Court also directed States and UTs to create Good Samaritan grievance redressal systems, implement the PM RAHAT scheme, ensure AIS-125 ambulance compliance, introduce GPS-enabled ambulance tracking, and establish State Trauma Registries.
Petition Sought Uniform Trauma Care Framework
The petition was filed under Article 32 of the Constitution by Savelife Foundation and its founder. The petition sought recognition of trauma care as part of the right to life under Article 21. It also requested directions on emergency response systems, ambulance regulation, Good Samaritan protection, trauma registries, paramedic training, and cashless treatment for road accident victims.
The Court noted the rising number of road accidents and deaths across the country. It stressed the need for a strong trauma care system that can provide quick medical assistance. The Bench observed that timely medical intervention can save lives. It also highlighted the importance of Good Samaritan protections, as many bystanders hesitate to help accident victims because of legal concerns.
Court Referred To Earlier Judgment
The Bench referred to the Supreme Court’s decision in Savelife Foundation v. Union of India. That judgment recognized the need to protect Good Samaritans. Parliament later incorporated those protections into Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles Act through the 2019 amendment.
The Court noted that it had issued notice in the present case on November 6, 2024. It also recalled its August 1, 2025 order requesting the Attorney General to review State responses and suggest measures for effective implementation.
Attorney General Highlighted Implementation Gaps
Attorney General R. Venkataramani informed the Court that public health, hospitals, ambulance services, and public order fall under the State List. However, he pointed out that the Union Government had already introduced several national schemes and policies. These include PM RAHAT, the Rah-Veer Scheme, Good Samaritan Rules, the National Ambulance Code, ERSS-112, and trauma care guidelines.
He stated that implementation remains uneven across States and UTs. He therefore supported court directions and time-bound compliance measures. The Court reviewed the Union’s compliance affidavit dated May 12, 2026. It found that while States expressed willingness to improve trauma care, progress remained inconsistent.
Supreme Court Directions
The Court directed all States and UTs to complete the integration of emergency helplines with 112 within three months. It also ordered public awareness campaigns to promote the unified emergency number. States and UTs must establish physical and digital Good Samaritan grievance redressal systems within the same period.
The Ministries of Health and Road Transport may issue a medical rescue protocol for trauma cases within three months. States and UTs must implement the protocol within the following three months. The Court also directed full compliance with AIS-125 ambulance standards and mandated GPS integration with helpline 112. Authorities must conduct regular audits on response time, equipment, quality of care, and patient outcomes.
PM RAHAT Scheme And Trauma Registries
The Court ordered all States and UTs to fully operationalize the PM RAHAT scheme. This includes designating hospitals, onboarding State Health Agencies, and ensuring police participation in the electronic Detailed Accident Report system. The Court clarified that failure to implement the scheme would violate the Motor Vehicles Act.
The Union Health Ministry must issue guidelines for trauma registry data formats within eight weeks. States and UTs must establish State Trauma Registries within four months and link them to a national trauma registry. The Court also directed authorities to grade and designate medical facilities beyond National Highways, covering State Highways, district roads, urban areas, and peri-urban regions.
Matter To Be Listed After Four Months
The Supreme Court directed that copies of the order be sent to Chief Secretaries of all States and UTs. These authorities must submit action-taken reports to the Court Registry. The matter will be listed again after four months to review compliance and consider further directions. The Court also acknowledged the assistance of Attorney General R. Venkataramani, Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra, and Advocate Malvika Kapila in this public interest matter.
