The Supreme Court sharply criticised the Centre on Wednesday for delaying the implementation of a cashless treatment scheme for motor accident victims. Citing a breach of its January 8 order, the court summoned the transport ministry secretary to explain the delay. The court emphasised that financial hold-ups cost lives, and warned of contempt proceedings. The scheme, mandated under the Motor Vehicles Act, was to ensure critical care during the ‘golden hour’ post-accidents.Original Article