NEW DELHI: The Central Government has informed the Supreme Court that it will implement the "Golden Hour" free treatment scheme for road accident victims on national highways starting May 5. Recognising the crucial importance of the first hour following a traffic accident, the Supreme Court had earlier directed the Centre on January 8 to roll out the scheme. The court emphasised that timely intervention during this period could help save numerous lives.

Originally, the court had recommended that the scheme be implemented by March 14, 2025. However, the deadline was not met, prompting the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Road Transport to issue an apology. The Supreme Court took up the matter in response to a public interest litigation over the delay in complying with its order.

The bench, comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, criticised the government, noting that while the Centre is constructing vast national highways, people continue to die on the roads due to a lack of essential facilities. The bench also questioned why the government had not formally requested an extension of the deadline if more time was needed.

Despite the delay, the Court refrained from initiating contempt proceedings, as the government gave an assurance that the scheme would be implemented. The matter will be reviewed again on May 13.