India, July 8 -- The persistent absence of demarcated and pedestrian-friendly footpaths has long posed serious safety and accessibility challenges for pedestrians in both urban areas and rural areas, forcing them to share road space with vehicular traffic. Recognising the gravity of the issue, the Hon'ble Supreme Court has recently intervened through its latest ruling, underscoring the urgent need to ensure safe and accessible pedestrian infrastructure.

In a recent landmark judgment, Maniyar Iliyaz @ Shaik Riyaz & Anr. v. P. Ayyappan & Ors., (2026 INSC 647), the Hon'ble Supreme Court has declared that the right to walk on a demarcated footpath is a fundamental right under Part III of the Constitution of India.

The ruling came after a tr...