The Supreme Court has ruled that the right of citizens to walk on a demarcated footpath is a fundamental right, giving priority to pedestrians over motorised vehicles in public spaces.

A bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and A.S. Chandurkar held that the right to use a designated footpath forms an integral part of the freedom of movement guaranteed under Article 19(1)(d) of the Constitution. The court further observed that this right is also linked to other fundamental rights, including the Right to Life and Personal Liberty under Article 21.

In its significant verdict, the apex court emphasized that pedestrians are entitled to safe and unobstructed access to footpaths, and that urban planning and road management must recognize and protect this right.

The ruling underscores the importance of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and places the rights of walkers above the convenience of motorised traffic when it comes to the use of designated footpaths.

Legal experts believe the judgment could have far-reaching implications for city planning, road safety measures, and the removal of encroachments from pedestrian pathways across the country.