Walking On Footpaths a Fundamental Rights
Prelims:
Polity, Governance
Mains:
GS Paper I – Society, GS Paper II – Polity & Governance, GS Paper
III – Infrastructure
Current relevance:
The Supreme Court has declared that the right
to walk safely on demarcated and well-maintained footpaths is a fundamental
right.
Supreme Court's Key
Observations:
1.
The right to walk safely on designated footpaths is
an integral part of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).
2.
The Court held that the fundamental right to walk
overrides the privilege of motorized transport.
Key constitutional
provisions:
1.
Article 21 –
Right to Life and Personal Liberty
Encompasses the right to safe, dignified, and
unhindered pedestrian movement.
2.
Article 19(1)(d) – Freedom
of Movement
Guarantees the right of citizens to move freely throughout the territory
of India.
Other provisions:
1.
Article 19(1)(a), 19(1)(b) and 19(1)(c)
Walking enables the exercise of:
I.
Freedom of speech and expression.
II.
Freedom of peaceful assembly.
III.
Freedom of association.
Need for Statutory Protection of Pedestrian
Rights:
1.
The Court recommended the establishment of a full-time
regulatory authority for pedestrian rights.
The regulatory
body would:
I.
Plan pedestrian infrastructure
II.
Monitor implementation
III.
Enforce standards
IV.
Address grievances
V.
Promote safe and accessible footpaths
Source: THE HINDU
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-declares-the-right-to-walk-carefree-on-footpaths-a-fundamental-right/article71121451.ece