Supreme Court of India directs states to ensure encroachment-free footpaths

The Supreme Court of India has directed all states and Union Territories to respond regarding the implementation of measures to ensure properly demarcated and encroachment-free footpaths. A bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe impleaded all states and UTs as parties in a suo motu case focused on pedestrian safety.

The court emphasized that the existence of footpaths is “an integral part of human life” and that pedestrians must have the confidence to walk in designated spaces. The bench noted that the first step toward safety is the proper demarcation of space for pedestrians to separate them from motor vehicle lanes.

In response to previous court directions, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs have issued advisories to states, UTs, and the National Highways Authority of India. The court has requested that states and UTs reply to these advisories. This follows a June 19 verdict where the court ruled that the right to walk on a demarcated footpath is a fundamental right, falling under the right to movement and the right to life and liberty.