In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has ruled that the right to walk safely on a footpath is a fundamental right protected under the Constitution. The verdict came while hearing a case involving the death of a five-year-old child who was struck by a tanker in an area without a footpath or pedestrian crossing. The Court said that if a road exists, authorities have a duty to provide safe footpaths and called for a dedicated legal framework to protect pedestrians across India. The ruling could significantly influence future road planning and urban infrastructure.

Published - June 19, 2026 10:17 pm IST