#pedestrian rights

The Kerala High Court has ruled that public footpaths are inviolable pedestrian spaces protected under Article 21, and that installing commercial kiosks violates both the Street Vending Act and the constitutional right to safe, unobstructed movement. This sets a critical precedent for urban planning across India, empowering citizens to challenge encroachments on public walkways by municipal bodies and development authorities.

Karnataka High Court rules that pedestrians crossing a 30-ft one-way road cannot be held contributorily negligent, enhancing compensation to Rs. 3,16,763 with 6% interest. The judgment underscores that vehicle riders bear absolute responsibility to avoid accidents, reinforcing pedestrian rights under the Motor Vehicles Act.