In Brief
SaveLife Foundation sought to establish a legal framework protecting Good Samaritans—bystanders who assist road accident victims—from fear of legal prosecution and police harassment. The Court noted that WHO data showed road accidents as a leading cause of death in India, and that public reluctance to help victims stems from fear of legal consequences, not lack of laws. The Court approved binding guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways with specified modifications, granting them force of law until proper legislation is enacted. The guidelines protect Good Samaritans from civil and criminal liability, police detention, and harassment during investigation, while preserving driver liability under motor vehicle laws. The Court directed wide publicity to encourage public assistance.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.