In a concerning development from Amritsar, activists and citizens are raising their voices against the systemic failure to acknowledge individuals who courageously step forward to save the lives of accident victims. Despite clear legal provisions designed to protect and honor such Good Samaritans, these everyday heroes are reportedly receiving no official recognition or certificates from the district administration.
The Legal Framework vs. Ground Reality
The issue centers around the implementation of the Supreme Court-approved Good Samaritan guidelines from 2016 and the subsequent Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. These laws provide legal protection to bystanders who assist injured persons, safeguarding them from harassment, and mandate that authorities honor them. However, the ground reality in Amritsar tells a different story.
Activist Jagdish Singh, who has been at the forefront of this campaign, highlighted the glaring gap. He pointed out that while the law exists on paper, the district administration has consistently failed to issue formal appreciation certificates to those who have saved lives. This lack of acknowledgment, he argues, acts as a disincentive for the public to come forward and help in emergencies.
A Pattern of Neglect and Its Consequences
The problem is not isolated. Several recent incidents underscore the pattern of neglect. In one case, a young man named Gurpreet Singh rescued an accident victim and rushed him to the hospital in February 2024. Despite his timely intervention saving a life, his efforts went officially unrecognized. Similarly, in another incident from October 2023, a passerby who provided crucial aid received no formal thanks from the authorities.
This administrative inertia has significant consequences. Jagdish Singh warns that failing to honor Good Samaritans sends a wrong message to society. It discourages civic duty and fosters apathy, potentially costing lives that could have been saved with prompt public assistance. The core purpose of the law—to create a supportive ecosystem for helpers—is being defeated.
Demands for Immediate Administrative Action
The activists have outlined clear demands to rectify the situation. They are calling upon the Amritsar District Administration and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to take immediate and concrete steps. Their primary request is the institution of a regular, transparent process to identify and honor Good Samaritans with official certificates of appreciation.
They emphasize that such recognition is not merely a formality. It serves a dual purpose: it validates the courageous act of the individual and publicly encourages others to follow suit. In a country where road accidents claim numerous lives daily, promoting a culture of proactive help is not just beneficial—it is essential.
The ongoing struggle in Amritsar shines a light on a critical flaw in the implementation of well-intentioned laws. For the Good Samaritan law to truly succeed and save lives on Indian roads, its provisions must be actively enforced by local authorities. Until then, the heroes among us will continue to act without any hope of recognition, and the public's trust in the system's promise to protect helpers will continue to erode.
