Supreme Court warns government over lack of pedestrian crossings near Delhi High Court

The Supreme Court of India has issued a stern warning to the government regarding the lack of safe pedestrian crossings and footpaths near the Delhi High Court and the National Zoological Park. A bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Vinod Chandran expressed dissatisfaction with bureaucratic delays, stating that if the infrastructure issues are not resolved by November 25, the judges may stage a sit-in protest (dharna) at the Delhi High Court’s main gate.

The Court emphasized that access to safe footpaths is a fundamental right under Article 21 (Right to Life) and Article 19(1)(d) of the Indian Constitution. The bench noted that pedestrian safety should take precedence over the movement of motor vehicles.

In addition to the local issue, the Court issued broader directives for all states and union territories to remove obstructions such as illegal stalls, garbage, and unauthorized parking from sidewalks. The central government has been directed to form a committee to monitor footpath conditions nationwide and consider a pilot project for footpath development in five major cities, adhering to Indian Roads Congress standards.