By Soniya:
In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that safe travel on national highways is an integral part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The court emphasized that the right to life extends beyond mere survival and includes the right to safe and secure movement, especially on high-speed roads.
The ruling comes amid growing concerns over road safety in India, where national highways account for a disproportionate number of fatalities despite covering a small percentage of the road network. The court noted that negligence, poor infrastructure, and unsafe practices such as illegal parking and encroachments contribute significantly to accidents.
As part of its directions, the court ordered a ban on unauthorized dhabas and commercial establishments within highway limits, citing risks like traffic obstruction and accidents. Authorities have been instructed to remove such structures within a stipulated time and ensure strict compliance.
The court also mandated that vehicles, particularly heavy and commercial ones, must not stop or park on highways except in designated areas. This measure aims to reduce collisions and improve overall road safety.
The case was initiated following tragic accidents in Rajasthan and Telangana that resulted in multiple fatalities, highlighting urgent gaps in highway safety. In response, the court has directed the formation of District Highway Safety Task Forces and strengthened coordination between agencies like the National Highways Authority of India and state governments.
This landmark judgment expands the scope of Article 21, reinforcing the state’s duty to ensure safe infrastructure and prevent avoidable loss of life on India’s roads.
