MANIYAR ILIYAZ @ SHAIK RIYAZ v. P. AYYAPPAN & ORS.
2026 INSC 647 (SC)
HEAD NOTES
Constitution of India – Articles 19(1)(a), 19(1)(b), 19(1)(c), 19(1)(d) and 21 – Fundamental Right to Walk – Recognition of right to demarcated footpaths.
Held, the right to walk is a fundamental right under Part III of the Constitution. It is an integral component of the freedom of movement guaranteed under Article 19(1)(d), read with Articles 19(1)(a), 19(1)(b), 19(1)(c) and 21. The right necessarily includes the right to safe, demarcated and well-maintained footpaths. Such right is primary and enjoys priority over movement by motorised vehicles. (Paras 3, 4, 8, 20(a))
Constitution of India – Fundamental Rights – Right to Walk – Correlative public duty – Duty of local authorities to provide and maintain footpaths.
Held, where a road exists, there is a corresponding obligation to provide, demarcate, maintain and safeguard footpaths for pedestrians. Urban Development Authorities, Municipal Corporations, Municipalities and Panchayats are duty bearers responsible for ensuring pedestrian infrastructure. The duty is enforceable in law. (Paras 9, 10, 20(b))
Constitutional Law – Enforcement of Fundamental Rights – Violation of pedestrian rights – Restitutionary remedies.
Held, violation of the fundamental right to walk on demarcated footpaths entitles citizens to seek constitutional and legal remedies including restitution and compensation against public authorities responsible for the breach. Such remedies are independent of and in addition to remedies available under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. (Paras 15, 20(c))
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 – Scope and object – Pedestrian rights.
Held, the Motor Vehicles Act is primarily a legislation regulating motor vehicles and motor transport. It does not recognise or secure the fundamental right to walk on demarcated footpaths. Existing provisions and driving regulations merely impose duties upon drivers to exercise care towards pedestrians and cannot substitute a comprehensive statutory framework protecting pedestrian rights. (Paras 6, 14)
Constitutional Governance – Need for legislation – Right to walk.
Held, despite the constitutional foundation of the right to walk, there is no dedicated legislation declaring the right, identifying duty bearers, providing remedies and establishing a regulatory framework. Directions issued to forward the judgment to the Ministries concerned and the Law Commission for consideration of an appropriate statutory framework protecting pedestrian rights and footpath infrastructure. (Paras 11, 12, 13, 16, 21)
Motor Accident Compensation – Death of minor child – Assessment of compensation.
Five-year-old child died after being run over by a tanker while walking to school with his father. MACT awarded compensation of Rs.7,82,000/-. High Court reduced compensation to Rs.4,70,000/-.
Held, High Court erred in reducing the compensation. Applying principles laid down in Karuna Parmar v. Prakash Sinha, compensation recalculated by adopting notional income based on minimum wages, adding future prospects, deducting personal expenses and applying multiplier method. Total compensation enhanced to Rs.11,44,628/- with direction for payment within two months. (Paras 17–19)
Ratio Decidendi
- The right to walk is a constitutionally protected fundamental right flowing from Articles 19 and 21.
- The right includes access to demarcated and safe footpaths.
- Public authorities have an enforceable duty to create and maintain pedestrian infrastructure.
- Breach of such duty gives rise to independent constitutional and legal remedies.
- Pedestrian rights are not adequately protected by the Motor Vehicles Act and require a dedicated statutory framework. (Paras 20(a)–(c))
Final Order
Appeals partly allowed. Compensation enhanced to Rs. 11,44,628/- payable within two months. Matter directed to be renumbered as “Re: Fundamental Right to Walk and Footpath” under Article 32 of the Constitution. (Paras 19, 21, 22)
