{"id":108942,"date":"2026-06-20T10:55:19","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T05:25:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=108942"},"modified":"2026-06-20T10:55:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-20T05:25:19","slug":"fundamental-right-to-walk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/fundamental-right-to-walk\/","title":{"rendered":"Fundamental Right to Walk &#8211; Supreme Court Prioritises Pedestrians Over Motor Vehicles"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Fundamental Right to Walk Latest News<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a <\/span><b>landmark judgment <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">delivered, the Supreme Court of India held that the right to walk on safe and demarcated <\/span><b>footpaths <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is a Fundamental Right under <\/span><b>Part III<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the Constitution.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It declared that pedestrian rights take <\/span><b>precedence <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">over the movement of motorised vehicles and called for a comprehensive <\/span><b>legal framework<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to protect walkers.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Constitutional Recognition of the Right to Walk<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The SC ruled that the right to walk is an <\/span><b>intrinsic <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">component of:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Article <\/span><b>19<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(1)(d) \u2013 Freedom of movement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Article 19(1)(a) \u2013 Freedom of expression.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Article 19(1)(b) \u2013 Freedom of assembly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Article 19(1)(c) \u2013 Freedom of association.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/article-21-of-indian-constitution\/\" target=\"_blank\">Article 21 <\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 Right to life and personal liberty.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Court observed that walking is the most <\/span><b>basic <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">form of human movement and predates all motorised transport.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, access to safe and well-maintained footpaths is an essential constitutional entitlement.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Footpaths as an Enforceable Constitutional Right<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The judgment established that wherever a road exists, there is a corresponding <\/span><b>legal duty<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to provide and maintain pedestrian infrastructure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Duty bearers identified:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The responsibility lies with the Urban Development Authorities, Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, and Panchayats.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These bodies must <\/span><b>demarcate <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">footpaths, construct and maintain pedestrian facilities, protect footpaths from encroachment and neglect, and ensure safe pedestrian movement.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Court made this obligation judicially enforceable, <\/span><b>transforming <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pedestrian infrastructure from a governance concern into a constitutional requirement.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Pedestrian Rights Above Motorised Traffic<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Court unequivocally held that the fundamental right to walk on demarcated footpaths has priority over the privilege of movement by motorised vehicles.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It <\/span><b>criticised <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the prevailing urban planning approach that disproportionately favours automobiles while marginalising pedestrians.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the Court, roads and public spaces cannot become the monopoly of the motorised class; <\/span><b>equitable <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">access must be ensured for all citizens.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Compensation and Legal Remedies<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A significant aspect of the judgment is the recognition of independent remedies for violation of pedestrian rights.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Citizens suffering injury, loss, or hardship due to absence of footpaths, encroached footpaths, and poorly maintained pedestrian infrastructure, can seek:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constitutional remedies,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restitution,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compensation from public authorities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These remedies are <\/span><b>separate <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">from compensation available under the Motor Vehicles <\/span><b>Act<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, 1988.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>The Case Behind the Judgment<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ruling emerged from a compensation dispute involving a five-year-old boy who died after being hit by a tanker while walking to school with his father.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Compensation timeline:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (<\/span><b>MACT<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">): \u20b97.82 lakh compensation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High Court: Reduced compensation to \u20b94.70 lakh.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SC: Enhanced compensation to \u20b911.44 lakh with directions for payment within two months.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Court noted that the accident site lacked both a footpath and a pedestrian crossing, highlighting systemic neglect of pedestrian safety.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Critique of Existing Legal Framework<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Court observed that the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 primarily regulates drivers and vehicles but does not adequately recognise pedestrian rights.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Key observations:<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Existing laws impose duties on drivers but fail to establish a right to walk safely.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pedestrian interests have remained <\/span><b>secondary <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to motor traffic.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Urban planning has historically prioritised roads for vehicles rather than people.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Bench described the neglect of walkers as a long-standing &#8220;<\/span><b>civilisational problem<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8220;.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Cultural and Democratic Significance of Walking<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The judgment emphasised that walking is not merely a mode of transport but also:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A means of expression.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A form of<\/span><b> social interaction<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and association.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An instrument of political <\/span><b>mobilisation <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and resistance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A part of India&#8217;s cultural and freedom movement heritage.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Court linked walking to democratic freedoms protected under Article 19 and the constitutional duty under <\/span><b>Article 51A<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to cherish the ideals of the freedom struggle.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Need for a Dedicated Law and Regulator<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recognising the absence of a comprehensive legal framework, the Court urged the government to enact legislation that would:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Formally declare the right to walk.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clearly identify duty bearers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provide<\/span><b> quick remedies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for violations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protect and enhance pedestrian infrastructure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Establish a <\/span><b>full-time<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> regulatory authority for planning, implementation, monitoring and enforcement.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Court stressed that institutional accountability and expert oversight are essential for meaningful implementation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A truly <\/span><b>inclusive democracy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is measured not by the speed of its vehicles but by the safety, accessibility and dignity it affords its most vulnerable road users.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Going forward, embedding <\/span><b>pedestrian-centric<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> urban planning within the framework of sustainable development and the right to the city can help create safer, healthier and more equitable public spaces.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Source: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pressreader.com\/foryou?popupArticleId=281895894950573\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><b>TH<\/b><\/a><b>\u00a0| <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/legal-news\/right-to-walk-fundamental-right-supreme-court-footpaths-10747622\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><b>IE<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Supreme Court of India held that the right to walk on safe and demarcated footpaths is a Fundamental Right under Part III of the Constitution. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":108960,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[8222,60,22,1888],"class_list":{"0":"post-108942","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-upsc-mains-current-affairs","8":"tag-fundamental-right-to-walk","9":"tag-mains-articles","10":"tag-upsc-current-affairs","11":"tag-upsc-mains-current-affair","12":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108942","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=108942"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108942\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":108968,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108942\/revisions\/108968"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/108960"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=108942"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=108942"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=108942"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}