# Supreme Court Directs Centre to Guarantee Encroachment-Free Walkways Along Every Road

> The Supreme Court has instructed the central government to ensure demarcated, encroachment-free walkways for pedestrians alongside all roads across the country.

**Type:** article · **Category:** India · **Published:** 2026-08-03 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/national/paidala-chalane-valon-ke-lie-surakshita-jagaha-sunishchita-kare-kendra-supreme-court-ne-die-sakhta-nirdesha-13217 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Supreme Court, Footpaths, Pedestrian Rights, Central Government, Fundamental Rights, Road Safety

In a significant push for public safety and pedestrian rights, the Supreme Court has asked the central government to ensure that dedicated, encroachment-free walkways are marked alongside every road across the nation. A bench comprising Justice P. S. Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe emphasised that citizens walking on foot deserve safe spaces completely separated from motor vehicle traffic, ensuring they can move freely without risking their lives.

## Immediate Action and Simple Solutions
During the proceedings on Monday, the Supreme Court bench instructed Additional Solicitor General K. M. Nataraj, who appeared on behalf of the Union Government, to issue firm directions to the relevant authorities. The court pointed out that creating safe zones for pedestrians does not necessarily require massive financial outlays or extensive civil construction. Simple measures, such as using ropes or clear physical boundary markers, can effectively partition walkways from vehicular lanes and prevent unauthorized encroachments.

The bench observed that pedestrians need full confidence in the safety of these designated zones. Walkers must be able to navigate public roads without constantly fearing incoming motor traffic. To ensure compliance, the top court has granted the Additional Solicitor General a timeframe of two weeks to convey these instructions to key officials, setting the next hearing date in two weeks.

## Constitutional Right to Walk Safely
This recent order builds upon a landmark judgment delivered by the Supreme Court on June 19, which recognized the right to walk on demarcated footpaths as an integral fundamental right. In that key ruling, the court explicitly stated that pedestrian rights hold precedence over motor vehicle movement on demarcated paths.

The court firmly anchored this entitlement within Article 19(1)(d), which guarantees freedom of movement, and Article 21, which secures the right to life and personal liberty under the Constitution of India. By linking pedestrian safety directly to fundamental constitutional protections, the Supreme Court has established a strong precedent mandating state authorities to prioritize human lives over vehicular convenience on public roads.

## What this means for you
**Across India:** Dedicated, encroachment-free spaces alongside roads will protect pedestrians from motor accidents and improve daily foot transit safety for millions of citizens.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What directives did the Supreme Court issue regarding pedestrian walkways?
The court ordered the central government to ensure clearly marked, encroachment-free spaces for pedestrians along every existing road.

### 2. Which judges comprised the Supreme Court bench hearing this case?
The bench consisted of Justice P. S. Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe.

### 3. Did the court demand heavy construction work to mark pedestrian lanes?
No, the court noted that even low-cost methods like using ropes or simple markers can effectively demarcate pedestrian zones.

### 4. What was the Supreme Court's ruling on June 19 regarding footpaths?
On June 19, the court held that walking on designated footpaths is a fundamental right protected under Article 19(1)(d) and Article 21.

### 5. How much time has been granted to the government to issue instructions?
The top court gave the Additional Solicitor General two weeks to direct the relevant authorities, scheduling the next hearing in two weeks.

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