New Delhi, Aug 03 : The Supreme Court on Monday instructed the Centre to ensure that every public road across the country has a clearly identified and encroachment free space dedicated to pedestrians. The court stressed that safe walking areas should be separated from motor vehicle lanes so that citizens can move without fear or obstruction.
A bench comprising Justices P. S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe directed Additional Solicitor General K. M. Nataraj to communicate the court’s instructions to the concerned authorities within two weeks. The judges said the objective could be achieved through simple measures such as visible markings, ropes or other physical barriers without requiring major infrastructure expenditure.
The bench observed that pedestrians must have confidence that the designated walking area belongs to them and remains free from encroachments. It emphasised that clearly demarcated spaces would improve road safety and reduce conflicts between walkers and vehicles.
Highlighting the importance of immediate implementation, the court said authorities should prioritise protecting pedestrian corridors rather than waiting for expensive construction projects. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing after two weeks to review the progress made by the government.
The latest direction follows the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment delivered on June 19, which recognised the right to walk on a designated footpath as a fundamental right. The ruling declared that pedestrians should receive priority over motorised traffic on properly demarcated pathways.
The court had held that the freedom to walk safely forms an integral part of the constitutional right to move freely under Article 19(1)(d), while also drawing protection from Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. The fresh order seeks to ensure that these constitutional protections are translated into practical measures on roads across the country.