Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Supreme Court Seeks States’ Response on Footpath Rights
The Supreme Court said people need safe places to walk beside roads.
It asked every state and Union Territory to explain how it will follow footpath guidelines.
Footpaths should be clearly marked and kept free from encroachments.
They should also be separated from vehicles so people can walk without fear.
The Centre said roads are mainly handled by the states.
Government ministries have already sent advice to states and other authorities.
The court has called walking on a marked footpath a fundamental right.
It said local authorities must build, maintain and protect these walking spaces.
The Supreme Court directed all states and Union Territories to respond on implementing pedestrian footpath guidelines.
The court said every road should have a properly demarcated, safe and encroachment-free space for walkers.
The Centre said the road-related measures fall under state jurisdiction and that two ministries have issued advisories.
A June 19 ruling recognized walking on demarcated footpaths as a fundamental right under the Constitution.
The court said urban and local authorities must construct, maintain and protect footpaths, with citizens able to seek legal remedies for violations.
- Who
- The Supreme Court, the Centre, states, Union Territories and local authorities responsible for roads and pedestrian infrastructure.
- What
- The Supreme Court sought responses on implementing properly demarcated, maintained and encroachment-free footpaths.
- When
- The direction was issued on Monday, after earlier directions on August 3 and a fundamental-rights ruling on June 19.
- Where
- The proceedings were before the Supreme Court in New Delhi and concern roads across India.
- Why
- The court wants pedestrians to have safe walking space and recognized walking on demarcated footpaths as a fundamental right.
- Case title
- “Re: Fundamental Right to Walk and Footpath”
- Court bench
- Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe
- Constitutional basis
- The court linked the right to walk with Articles 19(1)(d) and 21, among other provisions.
- Required infrastructure
- Roads should have properly demarcated, well-maintained and encroachment-free pedestrian space.
- Authorities named
- Urban development authorities, municipal corporations, municipalities and panchayats.
- Central advisories
- The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs issued advisories to states, Union Territories and the National Highways Authority of India.
- Legal remedies
- Citizens may seek constitutional and legal remedies, including restitution and compensation, for violations.