Supreme Court Declares Right to Walk on Footpaths a Fundamental Right
The Supreme Court of India has declared the right to walk safely on demarcated footpaths a fundamental right under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution. This right takes precedence over motorised vehicles, obliging urban authorities to construct, maintain, and safeguard pedestrian infrastructure. The ruling arose from a motor accident case involving a five-year-old boy's death and allows citizens to seek legal remedies against authorities for violations. The Court urged the government to enact laws and establish regulatory bodies to protect and enforce this right nationwide.