Supreme Court of India Mandates Demarcated Pedestrian Spaces Nationwide

The Supreme Court of India directed the central government on Monday to ensure every road across the country has properly demarcated and encroachment-free space for pedestrians. A bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe instructed the government to separate walking spaces from motor vehicle lanes to prioritize pedestrian movement over motorized traffic.

To avoid the need for large investments or reconstruction, the court suggested simple demarcation methods, such as using ropes or lines. Justice PS Narasimha emphasized that such measures are sufficient to establish the necessary boundaries and foster a culture where walkers' spaces are treated as sacred. Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj was tasked with notifying urban authorities, municipal corporations, and panchayats of these requirements.

This directive builds on a June 19 ruling that declared the right to walk on a demarcated sidewalk a fundamental right under Articles 19 and 21 of the Indian Constitution. That legal precedent stemmed from a motor accident claim involving a five-year-old child hit by a tanker. Under this ruling, pedestrian infrastructure is now a constitutional mandate, allowing citizens to seek remedies and compensation for violations independently of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1998. The court has granted the government two weeks to issue the instructions, with a follow-up hearing scheduled accordingly.