On May 14, 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued a landmark judgment affirming that the right to unobstructed and disabled-friendly footpaths is an essential component of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. This decision underscores the constitutional obligation to ensure pedestrian safety and accessibility, particularly for persons with disabilities.

Constitutional Right: The Court recognized that safe and accessible footpaths are integral to the right to life, emphasizing that pedestrians should not be compelled to walk on roads due to the absence or obstruction of footpaths.

Mandatory Compliance: All States and Union Territories are directed to:

• Ensure footpaths are accessible and usable by persons with disabilities.
• Remove encroachments from footpaths.
• Construct and maintain proper footways or footpaths that are user-friendly for persons with disabilities.
• Develop policies to ensure the availability and maintenance of such footpaths.

Guidance from Precedents: The Court referred to directives issued by the Bombay High Court in cases like High Court on its own motion v. State of Maharashtra and DS Ramchandra Reddy v. Commissioner of Police, suggesting these should serve as models for other states.

Implementation Timeline: All State Governments and Union Territories are to frame guidelines in line with the High Court directions and file compliance reports within two months. The Union of India is also to submit its policy/guidelines for protecting pedestrian rights within the same timeframe.

This judgment reinforces the importance of inclusive infrastructure and mandates proactive measures to safeguard the rights and dignity of all pedestrians, especially those with disabilities.

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