New Delhi, Apr 9 (Reporter) The Supreme Court came down heavily on the central government for failing to formulate a scheme ensuring cashless medical treatment for motor accident victims during the crucial "golden hour." The Court expressed deep concern over the non-compliance of its earlier order and summoned the Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to explain the delay. A bench, comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, on Tuesday strongly objected to the Centre’s failure to act on its January eight directive. “The time granted has expired on March 15, 2025. This is a serious breach and violation of not only orders of this Court but also a failure in implementing a very beneficial legislation,” the Court noted. “We direct the Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, to appear via video-conferencing and explain why the directions of this Court were not complied with,” it ordered. Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Vikramjeet Banerjee admitted that the delay was due to "bottlenecks." However, the Court was not persuaded. “This is your own legislation. People are losing their lives because there is no facility for cashless treatment. This is for the benefit of common people,” the bench stated sternly. “We are putting you to notice—we’ll take action under contempt. Ask your Secretary to come and explain.” The Court directed the official to appear on April 28 to provide a full explanation. On January eight, the top court had directed the Union Government to frame and implement a scheme for cashless medical treatment to motor accident victims during the "golden hour", a term defined under Section 2(12-A) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The golden hour refers to the critical one-hour period following a traumatic injury during which prompt medical treatment is most likely to prevent death. Citing Section 162(2) of the Act, the Apex Court had emphasized that such a scheme is not just desirable but mandatory under the law. The Court had granted time until March 14, 2025, for the formulation and implementation of the scheme. The delay, the Court noted, is costing lives and undermining the very spirit of the Motor Vehicles Act. The upcoming hearing is on April 28. The Court warned that it will take a strong action if the government fails to provide a satisfactory justification...////...