Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Supreme Court Seeks Responses on Demarcated Footpaths
The Supreme Court is asking states and Union territories about protecting footpaths.
It wants walking paths to be clearly marked and free from encroachments.
The court said walking is a fundamental right.
This means people should be able to walk safely and freely.
The court connected this right to the Constitution’s protections for movement and personal liberty.
It also said footpaths are an important part of this right.
Pedestrians’ rights should come before the movement of motor vehicles.
The states and Union territories are expected to respond to the court.
The Supreme Court sought responses from states and Union territories on keeping footpaths encroachment-free.
The court said the right to walk is a fundamental right under Part III of the Constitution.
It linked this right to freedom of movement under Article 19(1)(d).
The court said the right to walk includes access to demarcated footpaths.
It ruled that pedestrian rights should have priority over movement by motorised vehicles.
- Who
- The Supreme Court, along with states and Union territories.
- What
- The court sought responses on encroachment-free, clearly demarcated pedestrian paths.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- The court said the right to walk is a fundamental constitutional right and that footpaths should receive priority over motorised traffic.
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Issue
- Protection and demarcation of pedestrian footpaths
- Respondents
- States and Union territories
- Constitutional basis
- Part III, Article 19(1)(d), and Article 21 of the Constitution of India
- Related provisions
- The ruling also refers to Articles 19(1)(a), 19(1)(b), and 19(1)(c).
- Priority stated
- Pedestrian rights should have priority over movement by motorised vehicles.