Overview
- A bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Atul S. Chandurkar held on June 19, 2026 that the freedom to walk on demarcated, well‑maintained footpaths is a fundamental constitutional right tied to Articles 19 and 21.
- The court said pedestrian movement on footpaths must have priority over motorised traffic and made urban development authorities, municipal corporations, municipalities and panchayats the primary duty‑bearers for demarcation, construction and maintenance.
- The judgment created a separate public‑law remedy for violations of the right to walk that is independent of claims under the Motor Vehicles Act and may allow citizens to seek restitution and compensation from civic bodies.
- In the underlying motor‑accident appeal the court set aside a High Court reduction and enhanced compensation to Rs 11,44,628 for the family of a five‑year‑old, directing payment within two months.
- The Supreme Court converted the case into a continuing Article 32 proceeding titled 'Re: Fundamental Right to Walk and Footpath' and ordered its Registry to send the judgment to the ministries of Housing and Urban Affairs, Rural Development, Road Transport and Highways and to the Law Commission for legislative and regulatory proposals.