justices Anita Sumanth and C Kumarappan had earlier directed the DGP to file a response. On Monday, government counsel submitted that the DGP issued a circular on September 6, r

Steps taken for safety of 108 ambulance crew: Madurai Bench of the Madras High
Stating that 108 ambulance crew are constantly facing such threats in view of the upcoming elections, he sought the above direction.
Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday closed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought police protection for 108 ambulance crew till the end of 2026 Assembly elections, after the state government informed the court that the Director General of Police (DGP) has issued a circular directing all commissioners of police and district superintendents of police to take necessary measures to ensure safety and free movement of ambulances during public meetings, agitations and demonstrations.

The petitioner M Irulandi, state general secretary of Tamil Nadu 108 Emergency Vehicle Tholizhalar Munnetra Sangam, stated that on August 18 in Vellore, when a ‘108 ambulance’ driver was rushing to pick up a patient from Adukkamparai primary health centre and take her to Vellore Government Hospital, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, who was campaigning in the area, had allegedly threatened the driver for driving the vehicle into the crowd.

Similarly, in Tiruchy on August 24, AIADMK cadres attacked a ‘108 ambulance’ driver who had tried to pick up a patient who fainted during the meeting. Stating that 108 ambulance crew are constantly facing such threats in view of the upcoming elections, he sought the above direction.

A bench of justices Anita Sumanth and C Kumarappan had earlier directed the DGP to file a response. On Monday, government counsel submitted that the DGP issued a circular on September 6, regarding instructions on traffic and security arrangements, that include ensuring unhindered movement of emergency vehicles by keeping dedicated passageways free and deploying traffic personnel, to be made till elections are over