Supreme Court Directs States and Union Territories to Frame Rules for Pedestrian Safety under the Motor Vehicles Act

 Supreme Court Directs States and Union Territories to Frame Rules for Pedestrian Safety under the Motor Vehicles Act

Introduction:
On October 7, 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued a landmark directive emphasizing the importance of pedestrian safety. In the case of S. Rajaseekaran v. Union of India & Ors., W.P.(C) No. 295/2012, the Court directed all States and Union Territories to formulate rules under the Motor Vehicles Act to ensure the safety of pedestrians and the proper design and maintenance of footpaths. Live Law

Key Directives:

1. Formulation of Rules under Section 138(1A):

   • The Court directed all States and Union Territories to formulate rules under Section 138(1A) of the Motor Vehicles Act within six months.

   • These rules are to regulate the activities and access of non-mechanically propelled vehicles and pedestrians to public places and national highways.

2. Formulation of Rules under Section 210D:

   • The Court also directed the formulation of rules under Section 210D for the design, construction, and maintenance standards for roads other than national highways.

   • These rules aim to ensure that roads are constructed and maintained in a manner that prioritizes pedestrian safety.

3. Implementation of Pedestrian Safety Guidelines:

   • The Court referred to the Indian Roads Congress's "Guidelines for Pedestrian Safety" (Second Revision, June 2022) and emphasized the importance of implementing these guidelines.

   • Proper and well-maintained footpaths are judicially recognized as essential for pedestrian safety, as highlighted in previous judgments such as Olga Tellis.

4. Addressing Specific Issues:

   • The Court acknowledged specific issues, such as the problems arising near the Delhi High Court, and issued directions to address these concerns.

   • The directives include measures related to pavement and pedestrian crossings to enhance safety.

Importance of the Directive:
This directive underscores the Court's recognition of pedestrian safety as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. By mandating the formulation of rules and the implementation of safety guidelines, the Court aims to create a safer and more accessible environment for pedestrians across the country.

Conclusion:
The Supreme Court's directive is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of pedestrians in India. It calls for a collaborative effort between the central and state governments to implement comprehensive measures that prioritize pedestrian safety in urban planning and road design.

For more detailed information, you can read the full article on LiveLaw: Supreme Court Directs States/UTs To Frame Rules Under Motor Vehicles Act For Pedestrian Safety, Footpaths & Road Designs

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