SC ordered central govt to make guidelines; Says ‘Footpaths are necessary for…’

The court has asked the central government to make such guidelines within four weeks, which will make all the footpaths across the country accessible and encroachment free.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has given a big order to provide safe footpaths to all the citizens of the country, especially the disabled and the elderly. The court has asked the central government to make such guidelines within four weeks, which will make all the footpaths across the country accessible and encroachment free. This order was given during the hearing on the PIL filed by Dr. S. Rajasekaran, in which he had highlighted the pathetic condition of the footpaths of India and the problems of the disabled.

The petitioner said that there are no footpaths in many places in the country, and where they are, they are either broken or are victims of encroachment. This not only makes the movement of the disabled difficult but also puts the lives of common pedestrians in danger. Citing Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, the petition argued that every citizen has the right to equality and life, which also includes safe walking.

Asked to make guidelines on three important issues
Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan's bench said that there are no concrete national guidelines on this subject yet. Therefore, the central government will have to make rules on three important points. First, make the footpath mandatory with technical standards on all new and old roads. Second, the design should be such that the disabled do not face any problem anywhere. Third, ensure effective arrangements to remove and prevent encroachment.

If the Center fails, the Supreme Court will make the rules
The Supreme Court also made it clear that if the central government does not make the guidelines within the stipulated time, then the court itself will prepare the guidelines with the help of amicus curiae (friend of the court). Along with this, the states have been given the freedom to either adopt these national guidelines or make their own guidelines, but the standards should be the same.

Next hearing on September 1, accountability will be decided
The National Highway Authority (NHAI) has also been directed to file an affidavit clarifying its position on this issue. The next hearing will be held on September 1, 2025, in which the accountability of the Center and the states will be reviewed. This order of the court has strongly highlighted the rights of the disabled and pedestrians.