Reclaiming footpaths, taking cities back from cars
This analysis examines the significance of the Supreme Court of India's June 2026 ruling in Maniyar Iliyaz vs P. Ayyappan, which declared walking on demarcated footpaths a fundamental constitutional right under Articles 19(1)(d) and 21. The article argues that safe, accessible footpaths are a test of governance and a critical public health intervention. It cites WHO data showing 49.4% of Indian adults and 74% of adolescents do not meet recommended physical activity levels, contributing to rising metabolic diseases. Additionally, road safety data from 2024 reveals pedestrians and two-wheeler riders account for nearly 67% of road fatalities. The piece critiques episodic anti-encroachment drives and calls for systematic urban planning that prioritizes pedestrians over vehicles, framing walkability as preventive medicine and a democratic imperative.
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