The Supreme Court recently told the government to ensure that every road has a clear, obstacle-free space for walkers. The court said this area must be separated from roads used by cars and other vehicles.
Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe asked the government lawyer, K.M. Nataraj, to instruct local authorities to mark these walking areas properly and keep them clear. The judges emphasized that this can be done simply, even with ropes or lines, without needing expensive construction.
The court also stressed that pedestrians should feel safe and have confidence in these spaces. It gave the government two weeks to take action and set up a follow-up hearing for the same time next month.
This order comes after a previous decision by the Supreme Court in June, which declared that walking on designated footpaths is a fundamental right. The court said this right takes priority over motor vehicles on such paths and is linked to the right to move freely under the Constitution.