The state of Karnataka may soon become the first Indian state to have a legislation that protects those who help rescue accident victims.
The Karnataka Good Samaritan and Medical Professional (Protection and Regulation during Emergency Situations) Bill will be tabled in the upcoming parliament session. The decision was taken at the cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
The bill protects the ‘Good Samaritans’ from getting embroiled in civil and criminal cases. The bill also proposes a compensation of Rs. 1500 for these rescuers. Citizens who ensure that accident victims are given immediate medical treatment have a chance of being recognized as ‘Good Samaritans’ by the government of Karnataka, the Deccan Herald reported.
The bill will also protect medical professionals and hospitals from having to facing legal troubles. Rights of the Good Samaritans will have to be displayed at the hospitals in Kannada, Hindi and English.
“Karnataka will be the first state in the country to come out with a legislation that prevents Good Samaritans from getting embroiled in protracted police probes and prosecution processes,” Law Minister TB Jayachandra was quoted in the Times of India.
The bill also states that the Good Samaritans will be protected from repeated visits to courts and police stations and will be reimbursed with any expenses incurred if they get embroiled in such situations.
The move comes after the Supreme Court stressed on framing guidelines to protect those who rescue accident victims two years ago. An amount of Rs 5 crore has been appropriated as fund for payment of expenses incurred by the good Samaritans, Jayachandra told Times Of India.