MP Meet Hayer hails landmark Supreme Court ruling on Pedestrians’ Right to Safe Mobility
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, June 22, 2026: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP from Sangrur, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, has welcomed the Supreme Court’s recent ruling recognising the right to walk on designated footpaths as a fundamental right, describing the judgment as a landmark step towards ensuring safer and more inclusive mobility for citizens.
Reacting to the verdict, Meet Hayer said the judgment reinforces concerns he had raised in the Lok Sabha regarding the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorised road users on national highways and public roads.
The MP recalled that he had raised the issue in Parliament in July 2025, seeking clarification from the Union Government on whether it recognised the right of pedestrians and cyclists to safe movement along and across national highways. He had also sought details of measures being taken to provide accessible and secure infrastructure for vulnerable road users.
According to Meet Hayer, the response from the Centre at the time was largely limited to references to existing guidelines, road safety audits and surveys, without explicitly recognising safe mobility as a fundamental right or outlining a comprehensive plan for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
He said the Supreme Court has now clearly affirmed that the right to walk forms an integral part of constitutional freedoms, strengthening the legal framework for pedestrian safety and accessibility.
Calling the judgment a significant victory for ordinary citizens, Meet Hayer said it offers renewed hope to pedestrians, cyclists, senior citizens, women, children and persons with disabilities who often face challenges due to inadequate road infrastructure.
He further noted that the ruling is expected to encourage governments and planning agencies to prioritise footpaths, safe crossings, universal accessibility features and other pedestrian-centric facilities in future infrastructure projects.
The Supreme Court, in its observations, stated that the right to walk is a fundamental right protected under Part III of the Constitution and is closely linked to the freedoms guaranteed under Articles 19 and 21, reinforcing the constitutional right to safe and dignified movement.