The Supreme Court of India, in an order dated 20 October 2025, issued interim guidelines addressing five critical aspects of pedestrian safety across the country. A Bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan directed measures covering footpath maintenance, accessible pedestrian crossings, street lighting, speed limits near sensitive zones, and removal of motor vehicle encroachments from pedestrian infrastructure.
Background
The matter arose from a public interest petition filed by S. Rajaseekaran, highlighting the hazardous conditions faced by pedestrians in Indian cities. The petitioner presented data on pedestrian fatalities in road accidents, arguing that the absence of enforceable standards for pedestrian infrastructure violated the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
India records among the highest pedestrian fatality rates globally, with pedestrians constituting a significant proportion of all road accident deaths. Despite provisions in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and various road safety policies, the implementation of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure has remained inconsistent across states and municipalities. The Supreme Court, treating the petition as a matter of public importance, decided to lay down interim measures while the matter continues to be heard.
Key Holdings
The Court issued interim directions on five aspects of pedestrian safety:
Footpath maintenance: All municipal corporations and urban local bodies were directed to ensure that existing footpaths are maintained in a walkable condition. Broken, uneven, or obstructed footpaths must be repaired on a priority basis. New road construction projects must mandatorily include dedicated footpaths on both sides.
Accessible pedestrian crossings: State governments were directed to audit pedestrian crossings in urban areas and ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities, the elderly, and children. Crossings at major intersections must include tactile paving, adequate crossing time at signals, and visible markings.
Street lighting: Pedestrian zones, footpaths, and crossings must be adequately illuminated. Local bodies were directed to prioritize lighting in areas with high pedestrian traffic and accident history.
Speed limits near sensitive zones: Speed limits of 30 km/h were directed in zones within 100 meters of schools, hospitals, and places of worship. Traffic authorities were instructed to install appropriate signage and enforcement mechanisms in these zones.
Removal of motor vehicle encroachments: The Court directed the removal of vehicles parked on footpaths, pedestrian crossings, and other designated walking infrastructure. Municipal authorities were tasked with enforcement and penalization of encroachments.
Implications for Practitioners
These interim guidelines, while awaiting final adjudication, carry binding force and create immediate compliance obligations for state governments, municipal bodies, and traffic authorities. Municipal law practitioners should advise local bodies to begin audit and compliance processes promptly to avoid contempt proceedings.
For personal injury lawyers, this order strengthens claims arising from pedestrian accidents attributable to infrastructure failures. The specific standards articulated by the Court — particularly regarding footpath condition and lighting — provide a benchmark against which municipal negligence can be measured.
Real estate developers and infrastructure companies involved in road construction should note the mandatory footpath requirement for new projects. Procurement and project planning should incorporate pedestrian infrastructure costs from the outset.