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Lawyers Demand Jaipur Footpath Encroachments Removed by September 30
A lawyers’ group in Jaipur wants people to be able to walk freely on footpaths.
It says many footpaths are blocked by different kinds of encroachments.
The group especially objected to electricity junction boxes placed on footpaths.
It said these boxes are even more troublesome in the narrow streets of Jaipur’s old walled city.
The group wrote to three government bodies asking them to clear the paths by September 30, 2026.
The lawyers said a Supreme Court judgment recognised walking as a fundamental right.
They also said authorities have a duty to build and protect safe footpaths.
The article does not report a response from the authorities.
The Dimagi Naxal Advocates Group has asked three Jaipur authorities to remove footpath encroachments by September 30, 2026.
The group says junction boxes installed by Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited obstruct pedestrians, especially in the old walled city.
It argues that walking on properly demarcated, maintained footpaths is a fundamental right.
The lawyers cited a June 19, 2026, Supreme Court judgment in the Maniyar Iliaz versus P. Ayappan case.
They warned officials could face responsibility for alleged wilful disobedience if the footpaths are not cleared.
- Who
- The Dimagi Naxal Advocates Group, led by Convener G S Bafna and Co-convener Major R P Singh, addressed Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited, Jaipur Municipal Corporation, and Jaipur Development Authority.
- What
- The group demanded removal of all footpath encroachments and warned of possible responsibility for non-compliance.
- Where
- Jaipur, including the city’s old walled areas.
- When
- The deadline set by the group is September 30, 2026; it cited a Supreme Court judgment dated June 19, 2026.
- Why
- The group says obstructions violate pedestrians’ fundamental right to walk on demarcated, well-maintained footpaths.
Lawyers’ position
Authorities’ position
Footpath encroachments
Lawyers’ position
The group says government-installed junction boxes and other obstructions infringe pedestrians’ fundamental right to use clear, demarcated footpaths and must be removed by September 30, 2026.
Authorities’ position
The article identifies the three authorities as responsible for the relevant infrastructure but does not report any response or justification from them.
Legal responsibility
Lawyers’ position
The lawyers say authorities have a duty to construct, maintain, demarcate, and safeguard pedestrian infrastructure, and warn that non-compliance could amount to wilful disobedience of Supreme Court orders.
Authorities’ position
No statement from Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited, Jaipur Municipal Corporation, or Jaipur Development Authority is included regarding the warning.
Key facts
- Organisation
- Dimagi Naxal Advocates Group
- Authorities addressed
- Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited, Jaipur Municipal Corporation, and Jaipur Development Authority
- Deadline
- September 30, 2026
- Specific obstruction cited
- Electricity junction boxes installed on footpaths
- Judgment cited
- Maniyar Iliaz versus P. Ayappan, dated June 19, 2026
- Constitutional provisions cited
- Articles 19(1)(a), 19(1)(b), 19(1)(c), 19(1)(d), and 21
- Claimed legal consequence
- Citizens may seek constitutional and legal remedies, including restitution and compensation, according to the group
Quotes
G S Bafna
Convener of the Dimagi Naxal Advocates Group and former Advocate General of the state
“The Court in the aforesaid order has held that the right to walk is a fundamental right under Part III of the Constitution. It is integral to the right to movement that is guaranteed under Article 19(1)(d), read with Articles 19(1)(a), 19(1)(b), 19(1)(c), and 21 of the Constitution.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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