Supreme Court Directs Integration of All Emergency Helplines Into 112 Within Three Months

The Supreme Court has directed all States and Union Territories to integrate emergency and ambulance helpline numbers into the single emergency response number 112 within three months. The Court observed that the right to trauma care is an integral part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

A Bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.S. Chandurkar said that emergency numbers such as 100, 101, 102, 108, 1033 and 1091 should be technically and operationally merged with 112. The Court also directed authorities to conduct large-scale public awareness campaigns to ensure citizens are aware of the unified emergency helpline.

The Court further asked the Union Government to frame a medical rescue protocol for trauma cases within three months, which must then be implemented by States and UTs within the following three months. Additionally, the Court directed the establishment of effective grievance redressal mechanisms under Good Samaritan laws, emphasising the need for a uniform national framework for trauma care and emergency response.