New Delhi, 19 June (H.S.): In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court has held that the right of pedestrians to walk safely on footpaths is a fundamental right. A Bench headed by Justice P.S. Narasimha observed that it is the responsibility of municipal corporations, municipalities, and development authorities to provide safe and clearly demarcated footpaths. If they fail to do so, citizens are entitled to seek compensation through constitutional and legal remedies.

The Court directed the Central Government to consider framing a separate legal framework for the protection of pedestrians' rights. It observed that the rights of pedestrians should be accorded priority over the movement of motor vehicles on public roads.

The directions were issued while hearing a motor vehicle accident case involving a father who lost his five-year-old son. The Supreme Court enhanced the compensation awarded in the case to Rs. 11,44,628.

The Court further observed that there is a need to establish a dedicated regulatory authority to strengthen and effectively enforce the fundamental right of pedestrians to use designated footpaths safely.

The Bench directed the Supreme Court Registry to forward a copy of the judgment to the Central Government and the Ministries of Housing and Urban Affairs, Rural Development, and Road Transport and Highways, so that they may consider initiating the process of creating the necessary legal framework for safeguarding pedestrians' rights.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar