Telangana High Court Seeks Government Clarification on Aadhaar Requirement for Emergency Ambulance Services
In a significant development, the Telangana High Court has raised serious questions about the insistence on Aadhaar cards for accessing ambulance services during medical emergencies. The court has directed the state government to file a detailed response within two weeks, seeking clarity on whether identification documentation is mandatory for transporting individuals in urgent need of medical care to hospitals.
PIL Highlights Alleged Denial of Ambulance Due to Lack of Aadhaar
The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by paralegal volunteer K Raju, which cited a disturbing incident from December 2024. According to the petition, a young girl was allegedly refused ambulance service because she did not possess an Aadhaar card. The PIL emphasized that this case underscores broader deficiencies in emergency medical services and urged the court to ensure accessible healthcare for all citizens, regardless of documentation status.
The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G M Mohiuddin, expressed deep concern during the hearing. "We are only trying to find out if a person who has met with an accident and is lying on the road, some passerby calls the service, will he not be transported unless his Aadhaar card is shown?" the bench questioned, highlighting the practical implications of such requirements in life-threatening situations.
Court Questions Government Stance on Emergency Protocols
During the proceedings, the assistant government pleader representing the Department of Health, Medical and Family Welfare initially stated that Aadhaar cards were necessary. In response, the bench remarked pointedly: "A person who meets with an accident on the road or any person who is faced with an emergency, where he/she is not in possession of Aadhaar card, does not derive the benefit of the emergency service. Is it like that? That unless the Aadhaar is shown, the person is not transported to the nearest hospital?"
The petitioner's counsel, B Koumuraiah, further elaborated that the victim in the cited incident belonged to a vulnerable Scheduled Caste community, adding a layer of social concern to the legal issue. He also highlighted apparent inaction by emergency services in addressing such cases promptly.
Focus on Transportation Versus Treatment
While the government pleader argued that treatment is provided to patients even without Aadhaar cards, the bench clarified that the core issue was not about treatment but about transportation to the nearest hospital. This distinction is crucial, as timely transportation can often mean the difference between life and death in emergency scenarios.
The court observed that it would be prudent to formally record the department's official stance on whether any identification documentation is necessary during medical emergencies. Consequently, the case has been adjourned and will be listed for further hearing after three weeks, allowing time for the government to submit its counter-affidavit.
This judicial intervention comes amid growing concerns about the accessibility of emergency medical services across India, particularly for marginalized communities. The Telangana High Court's scrutiny could set an important precedent for how identification requirements are balanced against the fundamental right to healthcare in critical situations.
