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Indian Supreme Court pedestrian rights rulings
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2026-08-09 14:14 UTC → 2026-08-25 03:31 UTC ·
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The Supreme Court of India has recognized the right to walk as a fundamental constitutional right, citing its necessity for human dignity and personal liberty. liberty under Articles 19(1)(d) and 21. The court noted that urban planning in India has increasingly prioritized motorized transport over pedestrians, leading to obstructed or absent sidewalks. This legal recognition has introduced regulatory introduces complexities regarding the Street Vendors Act of 2014, as authorities must now balance the constitutional right to unobstructed pedestrian movement with the statutory rights of street vendors to operate in public spaces. Following this ruling, the Supreme Court issued To address these issues, a subsequent directive to the central government bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe issued directives to ensure every road includes clearly demarcated, encroachment-free spaces for pedestrians. Authorities were The court instructed the central government to implement simple measures, such as using ropes to mark walkways, to prevent encroachment and protect pedestrians from moving vehicle traffic. In a subsequent development, the court impleaded all states and Union Territories as parties in a suo motu case to ensure the implementation of these safety measures. While the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs have issued advisories to states and the National Highways Authority of India, the court has requested that states and Union Territories formally respond regarding their implementation of these demarcation and encroachment-free protocols. The court emphasized that footpaths are “an integral part of human life” and that pedestrians must be able to walk confidently in designated spaces.
Versions
- 2026-08-25 03:31 UTC Indian Supreme Court pedestrian rights rulings
- 2026-08-09 14:14 UTC Indian Supreme Court pedestrian rights rulings
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