SC Mandates Full Integration of Emergency Services Under 112 (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: In a major step towards strengthening India’s emergency response system, the Supreme Court has directed all states and Union Territories to fully operationalise the unified emergency helpline number 112 within the next three months. The move aims to replace the confusion caused by multiple emergency numbers currently used for police, fire, ambulance and women’s safety services.
At present, citizens rely on separate numbers such as 100 for police, 101 for fire services, 102 and 108 for ambulance assistance, 1033 for highway emergencies and 1091 for women’s helpline support. The apex court observed that such fragmentation often leads to delays during critical emergencies.
The order came during the hearing of a petition filed by road safety NGO SaveLIFE Foundation. A bench comprising Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice AS Chandurkar stated that timely trauma care is closely linked to the Right to Life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The court noted that accident victims are frequently unable to react properly due to shock or panic, making quick medical intervention crucial. It stressed that rapid response during emergencies can significantly improve survival chances.
The Supreme Court also instructed authorities to upgrade all government and private ambulances according to AIS-125 safety standards. Ambulances must now be equipped with GPS and vehicle tracking systems connected directly to the 112 emergency network.
Additionally, the Centre has been granted three months to prepare a nationwide trauma care rescue protocol. States and UTs have been directed to conduct monthly review meetings and upload compliance reports online to ensure transparency and accountability.
The bench also highlighted concerns about bystanders hesitating to help accident victims due to fear of legal complications and police procedures.
