Report road accident cases without fear: Supreme Court

NEW DELHI: If you witness a road accident, don't hesitate to get involved. The Supreme Court on Friday ordered that across the country, rules will be enforced to protect "Good Samaritans."

• The Central government's guidelines for encouraging eyewitnesses to report on accidents and help those who are injured must be followed by all states.
• To ensure that, the witness who calls the police to report an accident cannot be forced to reveal either his or her name, or contact information.
• To prevent the witness from getting entangled in lengthy and complicated court proceedings, the police will be allowed a single session with the person if he or she discloses her name voluntarily.
• The top court wants guidelines within 30 days on a standard format for questioning the witness so that there is no danger of intimidation or harassment.
• Video conferencing will be allowed to question the witness if appearing in person is an inconvenience.
• Any doctor who refuses to treat a road accident victim will be guilty of "professional misconduct".
• All hospitals shall put up clear signs in English and local languages that make it clear that a witness who brings an injured person to hospital will not be detained or asked to deposit money for the treatment.
• Any hospital that does not follow these new guidelines will be penalized by the state government.