Karnataka enacts law to protect good samaritans

Karnataka has become the first state in India to enact a law that will help protect good Samaritans and medical professionals who help accident victims within the 'golden hour'.

The President of India has given his assent to the Karnataka Good Samaritan and Medical Professional (Protection and Regulation during Emergency Situations) Bill, 2016. It aims to encourage people to help accident victims without having to fear about police investigations and the harassment that is usually associated with it.

The Karnataka government will provide financial assistance to good Samaritans who help victims. They will be exempt from attending court proceedings and visiting police stations during the investigation process. If the person's presence is required during the legal proceedings, his/her expenses will be covered by the government through the proposed Good Samaritan Fund.

According to the new law government and private hospitals must give first aid to accident victims. The person admitting the victims to the hospital can leave immediately.

While, there isn't a nationwide law to protect good Samaritans, in 2015, the Government of India had issued certain guidelines aimed to protect those who come to the aid of accident victims.

Source: NDTV