The court reinforced the necessity of police protection for emergency services during public events to ensure public health and safety.

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by DR.ANITA SUMANTH, J.) The petitioner is the General Secretary of 'Tamil Nadu 108 Emergency Vehicle Tholizhalar Munnetra Sangam'. He has instituted this writ petition in public interest seeking a mandamus directing the respondents to ensure adequate police protection for the ambulance pilots, who respond to 108 calls and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) in Tamil Nadu.

2.The trigger for that matter was a specific incident that had taken place on 18.08.2025, on what date, he states that there was some difficulty posed for the smooth movement of ambulance services.

3.When the matter had come up on 12.09.2025, Mr.Kottaichamy, learned Government Advocate, has brought to the attention of this Court a circular issued by the Director General of Police in this regard.

4.Today, the proceedings in R.C.No.04362/General 2(1)/2025 dated 11.09.2025 and the circular memorandum of even date issued by the Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu, are placed before us.

5.We find on perusal of the circular memorandum that measures and guidelines have been set out to streamline the movement of ambulance in the midst of outer public activities. The circular is extracted below:

“An incident of attack on the driver of 108 Ambulance is reported while the ambulance was passing through the crowd during a public meeting organized by a political party leadering to registration of a case in Cr.No 81/2025 U/s 191(2), 126(2), 296(b), 132, 351(2) BNS Act Dated: 19.08.2025 at Anaicut Police Station, Vellore District.

2) In this regard, reference cited petition was received seeking safety and security to 108 ambulance staff.

3) It is noticed that various political parties and other organizations frequently organize demonstrations, agitations, public meetings and other congregations on roads and public places. In this connection, the following instructions are reiterated for strict compliance:

a) Main Thoroughfares Not to be Obstructed:

(i) Such programmes should not be permitted to obstruct main thoroughfares and arterial roads.

(ii) If unavoidable, proper traffic diversion plans shall be drawn up and effectively implemented in advance, with adequate public information.

b)Traffic and Security Arrangements:

(i) Whenever meetings or congregations are organized on road margins or near public junctions, appropriate bandobust and security arrangements must be made.

(ii) Adequate deployment shall be ensured to regulate traffic smoothly and prevent public inconvenience.

c) Unhindered Movement of Emergency Vehicles:

(i) It must be ensured on priority that all emergency vehicles, including 108 ambulances, fire and rescue vehicles, and police response units, are able to move without hindrance or obstruction.

(ii) Dedicated passageways must be kept free, and traffic personnel deployed to facilitate their movement swiftly.

d) Safety and Security Precautions (i) Proper barricading, crowd management and security measures shall be taken to avoid untoward incidents.

(ii) Local hospital authorities and Fire & Rescue Services may be sensitized whenever large-scale events are planned.

4) Hence, all Commissioners of Police in Cities and Superintendents of Police in Districts are requested to issue suitable instructions to all subordinate officers/SHOs in their jurisdiction to strictly adhere to the above instructions and ensure safety and security to the 108 ambulance and crew when they pass through the crowd without any disturbances in future.

5) Receipt of the Memorandum shall be acknowledged.”

6.The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that all the grievances and apprehensions had by the petitioner, stand allayed by the issuance of above circular. Recording this, the Writ Petition is closed.

No costs.

[A.S.M.J.,] & [C.K.J.,]