Supreme Court Declares Right to Safe Road Travel an Integral Part of Right to Life

The Supreme Court held that the right to safe passage on roads is a fundamental part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The Bench observed that preventable highway deaths represent a failure of the State's constitutional duty.

The Court issued extensive nationwide directions, including a ban on highway parking, a 60-day deadline to remove unauthorized encroachments like dhabas, and the identification of accident blackspots within 45 days.

The ruling emphasizes that financial constraints cannot justify compromising public safety and mandates 24/7 patrolling and emergency response teams every 75 kilometers.

[In Re: Phalodi Accident v. National Highways Authority of India & Ors.]