In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court declared access to safe and demarcated footpaths a fundamental right, strengthening pedestrian safety and constitutional protections across India.

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• The Supreme Court ruled that the right to walk safely on properly demarcated footpaths is a fundamental right protected under the Constitution.
• The judgment linked pedestrian rights with constitutional guarantees including freedom of movement, expression, peaceful assembly, association and the right to life.
• The ruling emerged from a motor accident case involving a five-year-old child who lost his life due to inadequate pedestrian infrastructure.
• The Court observed that the accident site lacked essential safety facilities including footpaths and designated pedestrian crossing infrastructure.
• Compensation awarded to the victim’s family was enhanced to ₹11.44 lakh, with directions for payment within two months.
• The judgment emphasized that walking remains the most basic and universal form of mobility, preceding all motorized transportation systems.
• Urban development authorities, municipalities, panchayats and local bodies were directed to ensure safe pedestrian infrastructure and prevent encroachments.
• The Court urged the government to enact a dedicated law defining pedestrian rights, responsibilities of authorities and mechanisms for speedy remedies.