Good Samaritan Law & Hit-and-Run Compensation in India: ₹2 Lakh Solatium Scheme (2026)

Published by Adv. Rajesh Verma on 29 October 2026

1. Supreme Court Good Samaritan Protection (Zero Harassment)

Under Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 (inserted by the 2019 amendment) and Supreme Court directives in *SaveLIFE Foundation vs Union of India*:

  • Zero Civil / Criminal Liability: A Good Samaritan who assists an accident victim is completely immune from any civil or criminal action for injury or death.
  • No Mandatory Police Interrogation: Police cannot compel you to stay at the hospital, reveal your phone number, or visit the police station.
  • Voluntary Witness Only: You cannot be forced to become a court witness. If you choose to testify, examination can be done via video conferencing.

    • 2. Cashless Golden Hour Emergency Medical Treatment

  • The Golden Hour: The first 60 minutes following a traumatic injury during which prompt medical care has the highest probability of preventing death.
  • Under MoRTH cashless treatment protocols, all empanelled hospitals (government and private) must provide cashless emergency stabilization up to ₹1.5 Lakhs per victim without demanding advance deposits.

    • 3. The ₹2,00,000 Central Hit-and-Run Solatium Compensation Scheme

    When the offending vehicle cannot be traced or identified:

  • Death Compensation: ₹2,00,000 (Enhanced from ₹25,000).
  • Grievous Hurt Compensation: ₹50,000 (Enhanced from ₹12,500).
  • Claim Process: Submit Form I to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM / Claims Enquiry Officer). The General Insurance Council transfers the sanctioned compensation directly into the victim's bank account via electronic transfer within 15 days.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can the police or hospital force a Good Samaritan to reveal their name or become a court witness?

    No. Under Supreme Court guidelines and Section 134A of the MV Act, a Good Samaritan cannot be forced to disclose personal identity, pay hospital admission fees, or attend court hearings unless they volunteer.

    How much compensation is paid to hit-and-run accident victims in India?

    Under the revised Compensation to Victims of Hit and Run Motor Accidents Scheme 2022/2026, compensation is ₹2,00,000 for death and ₹50,000 for grievous injury.

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