The Supreme Court of India rebuked the Centre for missing the deadline to establish a cashless medical treatment scheme for motor accident victims. The court expressed strong disapproval on Wednesday for the delay in implementing the scheme, which was ordered on January 8. In response to the breach of their order, the court summoned the secretary of the transport ministry to provide an explanation for the delay. Emphasizing that financial delays can lead to loss of lives, the court cautioned the Centre about potential contempt proceedings. The cashless treatment scheme, required by the Motor Vehicles Act, aims to provide critical medical care to accident victims during the crucial ‘golden hour’. The Supreme Court’s strict stance underscores the importance of timely and efficient healthcare for those in need.