{"id":13719,"date":"2026-06-20T12:05:34","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T06:35:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/?p=13719"},"modified":"2026-06-20T12:05:34","modified_gmt":"2026-06-20T06:35:34","slug":"supreme-court-walk-on-footpath","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/supreme-court-walk-on-footpath\/","title":{"rendered":"Supreme Court declares right to walk on footpath a fundamental right"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Supreme Court decision on the right to walk on a footpath is a key step towards better pedestrian rights and urban governance in India. In a precedent-setting decision, the Supreme Court decided that citizens have a basic entitlement to walking safely and freely on footpaths without obstruction. The court said that Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees people the right to life and personal freedom, including the right to stroll freely on the pavement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The ruling underscores the fact that roads are not just for cars. Rather, urban infrastructure should be accessible to walkers and include people of all ages, in particular children and senior citizens, disabled persons and other vulnerable sections of society. The Supreme Court walk-on-the-path decision will impact urban planning, traffic control and public safety policies throughout the country going forward.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Key Highlights: Supreme Court Right to Walk on Footpath<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ensures that the public has the right to walk on a footpath.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Safe access to footpaths was identified as a right in Article 21 by the Supreme Court.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The decision says that Public Highway Paths are solely for pedestrian use and cannot be blocked.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The state governments and local authorities are responsible for providing uncrowded footpaths.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The ruling reveres inclusiveness as a form of urban planning and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A safe environment for children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities is given the highest priority.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Municipalities could find their responsibilities for providing walkable public places surrounding them raised.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What Did the SC Say About the Right to Walk on the Footpath?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Supreme Court ruling in the case of \u2018right to walk on footpath&#8217; only reaffirms the constitutional right to life, which is not limited to survival. The court stated that mobility is important to a dignified life and that it was important for them to move in a safe manner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The judgment provides, &#8220;footpaths are public spaces in which walking is expected. The neglect of maintaining forests and infrastructure, illegal encroachments and unauthorised parking infringe citizens&#8217; constitutional rights. The court also noted the government&#8217;s responsibility to develop and maintain accessible, seamless pathways for all citizens to be present.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fundamental Rights (PYQs)\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Year<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Exam<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Question<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Options<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Correct Answer<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2025<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">UPSC Prelims<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which Article of the Constitution guarantees the Right to Constitutional Remedies?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(A) Article 19<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(B) Article 21<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(C) Article 32<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(D) Article 368<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>(C) Article 32<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2024<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SSC CGL<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Right against Exploitation prohibits which of the following?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(A) Child labour in hazardous industries<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(B) Human trafficking<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(C) Forced labour<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(D) All of the above<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>(D) All of the above<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2023<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">UPSC Prelims<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Article 19 of the Constitution guarantees how many freedoms to citizens?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(A) Four<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(B) Five<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(C) Six<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(D) Seven<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>(C) Six<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2023<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">RRB NTPC<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which Article abolishes untouchability?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(A) Article 15<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(B) Article 16<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(C) Article 17<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(D) Article 18<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>(C) Article 17<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2022<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SSC CHSL<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment is guaranteed under which Article?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(A) Article 14<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(B) Article 15<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(C) Article 16<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(D) Article 17<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>(C) Article 16<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2022<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">UPSC Prelims<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Protection in respect of conviction for offences is provided under which Article?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(A) Article 19<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(B) Article 20<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(C) Article 21<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(D) Article 22<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>(B) Article 20<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2021<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">State PSC<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which of the following Fundamental Rights is available only to citizens of India?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(A) Article 14<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(B) Article 19<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(C) Article 21<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(D) Article 22<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>(B) Article 19<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2021<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SSC CGL<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which Article prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(A) Article 14<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(B) Article 15<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(C) Article 16<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(D) Article 17<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>(B) Article 15<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2020<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">UPSC Prelims<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Right to Education is guaranteed under which Article?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(A) Article 19A<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(B) Article 20A<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(C) Article 21A<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(D) Article 22A<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>(C) Article 21A<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2020<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">RRB Group D<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which Article guarantees protection of life and personal liberty?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(A) Article 19<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(B) Article 20<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(C) Article 21<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(D) Article 22<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>(C) Article 21<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2019<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SSC CHSL<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed under which Article?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(A) Article 19(1)(a)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(B) Article 20<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(C) Article 21<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(D) Article 25<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>(A) Article 19(1)(a)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2019<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">UPSC Prelims<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Cultural and Educational Rights are covered under which Articles?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(A) Articles 25\u201328<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(B) Articles 29\u201330<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(C) Articles 32\u201335<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(D) Articles 14\u201318<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>(B) Articles 29\u201330<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2018<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">State PSC<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which Fundamental Right was described by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the &#8220;heart and soul&#8221; of the Constitution?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(A) Article 14<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(B) Article 19<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(C) Article 21<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(D) Article 32<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>(D) Article 32<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2017<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SSC CGL<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Freedom of religion is guaranteed under which Articles?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(A) Articles 19\u201322<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(B) Articles 23\u201324<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(C) Articles 25\u201328<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(D) Articles 29\u201330<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>(C) Articles 25\u201328<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2016<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">UPSC Prelims<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Which of the following Fundamental Rights is available to both citizens and non-citizens?<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(A) Article 19<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(B) Article 29<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(C) Article 30<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">(D) Article 21<\/span><\/td>\n<td><b>(D) Article 21<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/world-sickle-cell-day-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">World Sickle Cell Day 2026: Date, Theme, History and Significance<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Conclusion on Right to Safe Footpaths Is a Fundamental Right<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Supreme Court&#8217;s right to walk on a footpath ruling is a monumental stride toward making Indian cities safe and accessible. Acknowledging pedestrian access as a fundamental right under Article 21, the Supreme Court has reiterated that `urban infrastructure must be for people and not for vehicles. Governments and local councils now have a clear responsibility to clear footpaths, ensuring they are safe, accessible and free from obstructions. Overall, the Supreme Court&#8217;s right to walk on the footpath decision may change urban planning, enhance public safety and encourage a more equitable use of public spaces throughout the nation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">FAQs &#8211; Supreme Court Right to Safe Footpaths<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"cfaq-wrapper\" data-multiple=\"0\"><div class=\"cfaq-item cfaq-open\"><button class=\"cfaq-question\" aria-expanded=\"true\"><span class=\"cfaq-question-text\">1. What did the Supreme Court say about footpaths?<\/span><span class=\"cfaq-icon\"><\/span><\/button><div class=\"cfaq-answer\"><div class=\"cfaq-answer-inner\"><div><span style=\"font-size: 12.35px\">The Supreme Court held that citizens have a fundamental right to walk safely on footpaths as part of the right to life under Article 21.<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cfaq-item\"><button class=\"cfaq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><span class=\"cfaq-question-text\">2. What is the focus keyword for this topic?<\/span><span class=\"cfaq-icon\"><\/span><\/button><div class=\"cfaq-answer\" hidden><div class=\"cfaq-answer-inner\"><div><span style=\"font-size: 12.35px\">The focus keyword is the Supreme Court's right to walk on the footpath.<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cfaq-item\"><button class=\"cfaq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><span class=\"cfaq-question-text\">3. Which constitutional provision supports this ruling?<\/span><span class=\"cfaq-icon\"><\/span><\/button><div class=\"cfaq-answer\" hidden><div class=\"cfaq-answer-inner\"><div><span style=\"font-size: 12.35px\">The judgment is based on Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cfaq-item\"><button class=\"cfaq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><span class=\"cfaq-question-text\">4. Why is the Supreme Court right to walk on the footpath important?<\/span><span class=\"cfaq-icon\"><\/span><\/button><div class=\"cfaq-answer\" hidden><div class=\"cfaq-answer-inner\"><div><span style=\"font-size: 12.35px\">The ruling promotes pedestrian safety, inclusive urban planning, and accountability among public authorities.<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cfaq-item\"><button class=\"cfaq-question\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><span class=\"cfaq-question-text\">5. How will this judgment affect local governments?<\/span><span class=\"cfaq-icon\"><\/span><\/button><div class=\"cfaq-answer\" hidden><div class=\"cfaq-answer-inner\"><div><span style=\"font-size: 12.35px\">Municipal bodies and state governments must ensure that footpaths remain accessible, safe, and free from encroachments.<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Supreme Court decision on the right to walk on a footpath is a key step towards better pedestrian rights and urban governance in India. In a precedent-setting decision, the Supreme Court decided that citizens have a basic entitlement to walking safely and freely on footpaths without obstruction. The court said that Article 21 of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":13720,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13719","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-polity"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13719","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13719"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13719\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13721,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13719\/revisions\/13721"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13720"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13719"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13719"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13719"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}