Good Samaritan Bill

When BJP MP Kirron Kher recently introduced the Good Samaritan Bill in the Lok Sabha, she was only lending voice and affirmation to a long-felt need. Day in and day out the media reports the heart-rending plight of hapless accident victims and bystanders' singular lack of empathy towards fellow citizens. Much of this apathy is due to the absence of a law to protect do-gooders. A survey even points out that an overwhelming majority of people do have an inclination to help, but are deterred by fears of legal wrangles and hassles like police questioning and court appearances.       

Viewed in the light of the Law Commission's observation that 50 per cent of those who die on road can be saved if they receive timely medical attention, the necessity of such a law becomes paramount. A Supreme Court-appointed committee too has recommended that good Samaritans should not be subjected to civil and criminal liability.  In fact, the recommendations made by the K Skandan Committee are comprehensive and relevant and also take into account the responsibility of medical professionals who attend to such victims. Whether India should follow the French or German model that holds the bystander accountable for not proffering assistance can be debated.  

However, to assume that the law alone would save lives and transform people into sensitive individuals would be a delusion.  For that to happen each one of us would have to introspect. The India that voiced outrage post Nirbahya's brutal gang-rape must be equally indignant when many of its people turn unresponsive to the cries and pleas of victims. But yes a law that protects those among us who are willing to help can be the first step towards fostering a society that cares and one that must be taken at the earliest. If good deeds can't be rewarded, though society must evolve a system for that too, at least the same should not be punished by way of unnecessary harassment.