Government Faces Harsh Criticism Over Road Safety
The Supreme Court delivered a scathing rebuke to the government for prioritizing massive highway construction while neglecting emergency medical care for accident victims. During a hearing on April 28, 2025, Justice A.S. Oka questioned the government’s commitment to public welfare, highlighting the alarming disconnect between infrastructure development and essential life-saving services.
“Golden Hour” Treatment Still Unavailable
Despite Section 162 of the Motor Vehicles Act coming into force in April 2022, the government has failed to implement the mandated cashless scheme for treating road accident victims during the critical “golden hour” – the first 60 minutes after trauma when prompt medical intervention can prevent death. The court emphasized that this provision is especially crucial given the rising number of motor accident cases across the country.
Court Condemns Three-Year Implementation Delay
The bench, which included Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, expressed frustration over the government’s apparent indifference to its own welfare legislation. “You are in contempt. You have not bothered to seek extension of time,” the court stated, highlighting that three years had passed since the provision came into effect without proper implementation.
Insurance Companies’ Role Remains Unfulfilled
According to Section 162, insurance companies must provide treatment for road accident victims in accordance with a scheme to be formulated under the Motor Vehicles Act. In a January judgment, the Supreme Court had directed the Centre to immediately frame this scheme for cashless medical treatment, particularly for victims whose families aren’t present to handle medical expenses.
Public Safety Versus Infrastructure Development
The Supreme Court’s questioning points to a fundamental issue in development planning: infrastructure expansion without corresponding safety measures puts citizens at risk. “People are dying in road accidents. You are constructing huge highways but people are dying there because there is no facility,” Justice Oka observed, challenging the government to demonstrate its genuine commitment to public welfare.
