Right to Walk Freely on Footpaths is Part of Right to Life: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that the right to use footpaths without obstruction forms an essential part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21, as recognised in Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation.

While hearing a petition on road safety, the Court directed all states and UTs to frame pedestrian safety guidelines aligned with standards set by the Indian Road Congress (IRC) and other regulatory bodies within two months. The Union government must also submit its policies within this period.

The Court noted delays in forming the National Road Safety Board and gave six months for its constitution, allowing no further extensions. The case is further listed for August 1.