The Supreme Court has directed all states and union territories to frame comprehensive guidelines ensuring proper pedestrian footpaths, affirming that safe walkways are a constitutional right under Article 21 of the Constitution.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan observed that the absence of dedicated footpaths compels pedestrians to walk on roads, exposing them to significant risks. “It is necessary to have proper footpaths for citizens. They should be accessible for persons with disabilities and removal of encroachments is mandatory,” the court stated.
The apex court underscored that the right of pedestrians to use footpaths is intrinsically linked to the right to life and personal liberty. “Right to have footpaths which are unobstructed is certainly an essential characteristic,” it said.
In a significant directive, the court asked the Centre to file, within two months, its existing guidelines for the protection of pedestrians’ rights. The court also stressed that footpaths must be constructed and maintained in a way that guarantees accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Additionally, the bench granted the Centre six months to constitute the National Road Safety Board, warning that no further extensions would be permitted.
The ruling came in response to a public interest plea that highlighted the dire state of pedestrian infrastructure across cities, particularly the lack of proper footpaths and widespread encroachments on walkways.
The judgment marks a crucial step toward addressing pedestrian safety, which the court said must be treated as a matter of paramount importance by both central and state governments.
