SC gives Centre final four weeks to frame guidelines for pedestrian footpath safety
The court made it clear that if the Centre fails to act within this time, it will intervene directly to do what is necessary with the assistance of legal counsel.
A bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan underscored that the issue goes to the heart of public safety and the fundamental right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
'The instant litigation pertains to the safety of pedestrians,' the court observed, adding that proper, obstruction-free footpaths are essential and must be accessible to persons with disabilities.
Senior Advocate Gaurav Agrawal, serving as amicus curiae, informed the court that the Centre had not yet formulated the required guidelines.
He also pointed out that the Supreme Court had earlier constituted a monitoring committee headed by former judge Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre to oversee the implementation of road safety directives, which could begin its task once the guidelines are finalised.
On behalf of the Union government, Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee assured the court that necessary guidelines would be prepared.
The court reiterated its earlier directions issued on May 14, 2025, emphasising that the lack of pedestrian walkways is a major cause of road accidents and fatalities.
It had asked the states and union territories to frame their own policies to ensure safe, encroachment-free footpaths.
The bench highlighted the urgency of the matter, noting that pedestrians are often forced to walk on roads due to absent or poorly maintained sidewalks, thereby increasing their vulnerability.
'This court has already acknowledged that pedestrians' right to safe footpaths is part of the right to life under Article 21,' the bench reaffirmed.
It also reminded the Centre of its obligation to place on record its policies concerning pedestrian safety and to establish a National Road Safety Board within the previously granted six-month timeframe.
With a firm stance, the bench concluded, 'No further extension will be granted.'
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