Free passage for ambulances: J&K HC appoints nodal officer for coordination

The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has appointed Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir as the nodal officer to coordinate amongst various government departments to ensure hassle-free movement of ambulances in the Union Territory. The development comes in a public interest litigation filed by NGO White Globe in 2018.

The PIL sought directions for upgradation of basic structures of ambulances as per European standards, and coordination between different government departments for free passage of ambulances.

Last month, Advocate General DC Raina suggested that in view of involvement of various departments, it would be appropriate that a Nodal Officer be appointed, who would give a consistent view to the Court, on behalf of various agencies.

In this view, the bench comprising Chief Justice Kotiswar Singh and Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal found it appropriate to appoint Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir to be the Nodal Officer and directed him to file an affidavit taking into consideration various averments/assurances/undertakings made by the respondent-departments.

“We appoint Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir to be the Nodal Officer, who may file the comprehensive affidavit on behalf of the respondents, based on the inputs received from the various departments, so that there is unanimity and consistency in the stand taken by the respondents,” the order stated.

The bench has now listed the matter on 7th June, for further consideration. LiveLaw