Reclaiming footpaths for people
The Indian Supreme Court recently declared the right to walk on well-maintained footpaths a fundamental right, prioritizing pedestrians over motorized vehicles. However, critics warn that the implementation of this ruling could lead to the displacement of street hawkers and the poor, who are often unfairly labeled as encroachers.
Why it matters
This ruling highlights the ongoing tension between urban infrastructure development and the rights of marginalized communities who rely on public spaces for their livelihoods.
O n June 19, the Supreme Court recognised the right to walk on demarcated and well-maintained footpaths as a fundamental right. It directed the government to introduce a law that declares this right and to set up a regulatory body to implement the right. The judgment came in a case involving the death of a five-year-old boy hit by a truck on his way to school.
The article emphasizes the potential for classist outcomes and the disproportionate impact of state policies on the poor, reflecting a social-justice perspective.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in