Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Supreme Court Orders Pedestrian Walkways on All Roads
The Supreme Court of India said that every road should have a clear space for people to walk safely.
This rule follows a June decision that walking on a marked path is a basic right.
The judges told the government to fix these walkways in two weeks, and they said it doesn’t need big spending—just simple lines or ropes.
They want people to feel safe and not worry about cars.
This rule is part of the rights that let people move freely in India.
Supreme Court directed the central government to ensure every road has a properly demarcated, encroachment‑free pedestrian space.
The directive follows a June 19 ruling that the right to walk on a demarcated footpath is a fundamental right.
Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe instructed Additional Solicitor General K M Nararaj to give authorities two weeks to act.
The bench emphasized that no major investment is needed; simple demarcation such as ropes can suffice.
The order is part of the right to movement under Article 19(1)(d) and Article 21 of the Constitution.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, Additional Solicitor General K M Nararaj
- What
- Directed the central government to ensure every road has a properly demarcated, encroachment‑free pedestrian space
- When
- August 3, 2024
- Where
- India, New Delhi
- Why
- To protect the fundamental right to walk on a demarcated footpath and ensure pedestrian safety
- Directive Date
- August 3, 2024
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Judges
- P S Narasimha, Alok Aradhe
- Target Authority
- Central Government
- Timeframe
- Two weeks
- Fundamental Right
- Right to walk on demarcated footpath
Sources
'Wherever There Is Road, There Should Be Walkers' Space': Supreme Court To Centre On Footpaths
Centre Must Ensure Every Road Has Encroachment-free Space for Walking: SC
Supreme Court directs Centre to ensure encroachment-free walking space along every road
Right to walk safely: SC orders Centre to ensure pedestrian walkways, reaffirms it as fundamental right
