SC asks states to ensure safe, encroachment-free footpaths
New Delhi, August 3
The Supreme Court on Monday urged the states to ensure that footpaths are properly demarcated and kept free from encroachments so that pedestrians can walk safely.
A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe told Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj to convey to all authorities that footpaths should be clearly demarcated for pedestrians.
The bench adjourned the hearing of a suo motu case concerning the right to safe and well-defined footpaths by two weeks and observed that implementing such a direction would not require any additional investment.
"It's more about demarcation. Local bodies are aware of it. Demarcating doesn't require investment or reconstruction. If there is a road, there has to be a walkers' space. There must be confidence for the person who is walking that this is the road I am walking...," said Justice Narasimha.
The apex court in its June 19 judgement had recognised the right to walk on properly demarcated footpaths as a fundamental right and issued a series of directions.
It had held that the right to walk on a demarcated footpath is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(d) of the Constitution, which includes the right to access safe and well-demarcated footpaths.
The top court held that this right is primary and takes precedence over the movement of motorised vehicles.
It had said that urban development authorities, municipal corporations, municipalities and even panchayats are constitutionally obligated to create, maintain and safeguard pedestrian infrastructure wherever roads exist.
The apex court had further held that violation of the right to walk on demarcated footpaths would entitle citizens to seek constitutional and civil remedies, including restitution and compensation, against authorities responsible for the breach.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's good to see the court recognizing walking as a fundamental right. But I wonder how many states will take this seriously. We have beautiful roads in my city but the footpaths are either broken or blocked. Old people and children suffer the most. 🙏 Let's hope this leads to real change on the ground.
Finally a sensible judgment. For years we've prioritized cars over humans. Even in metro cities like Bengaluru, you can't walk 100 meters without encountering a parked vehicle or a dug-up pavement. The point about demarcation not requiring investment is spot on - it's just about will and governance.
This is a welcome step but honestly, these orders have been passed before too. The real challenge is political will and local enforcement. Our panchayats and municipalities often turn a blind eye to encroachments because of vote bank politics. Let's see if this time it translates into action before the next monsoon.
Walking is indeed the most basic form of mobility, and we've completely neglected it in our urban planning. Every day, I see elderly people and school children navigating through traffic because there's no safe walking space. This judgment is a step in the right direction, though implementation will be the real test. Maybe citizens should start filing compensation claims when they're forced to walk on the road - that would wake up authorities!
Thank God someone is thinking about pedestrians! In our town, footpaths are treated as an extension of shop space. No one even tries to walk on them. The Supreme Court's point about demarcation is absolutely right - it's
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