Following a Supreme Court order, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued some key guidelines to protect good Samaritans, bystanders or eyewitnesses to any road accidents. The guidelines will be binding on all agencies including police, government departments and even private hospitals, The Times of India reports.The newspaper also reported that a survey conducted by Save Life Foundation revealed how a majority of bystanders don’t help victims fearing legal hassle and hospitals demanding admission charge from them.These new norms state the rights available to an eyewitness or bystander. Revealing personal information is voluntary and he/she cannot be compelled by the police. The guidelines are mentioned below:· The good Samaritan does not serve as a civil or criminal liability.· The witness or bystander will not be compelled to reveal his/her name or other details by the police.· The government will not be allowed to initiate any disciplinary or departmental action.· The eyewitness or good Samaritan may choose to volunteer for a single-time examination.· The state government must come out with a standard operating procedure for examination in 30 days.· The bystander need not be summoned to courts; provision for videoconferencing can be made.· Guidelines will be issued by the health ministry to hospitals to not detain the eyewitness.· Action will be taken under ‘professional misconduct’ if hospitals fail to provide medical help.· A charter must be published by the hospital in English, Hindi and vernacular language.· An acknowledgement of a good Samaritan bringing a victim for emergency care must be provided by the hospital.Read more at: Guidelines to encourage good Samaritans on the roads soon