Supreme Court: Safe Road Travel is a
Fundamental Right under Article 21
¨ Supreme Court has
declared that road safety and the right to safe travel are part of the
Fundamental Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
¨
National Highways make up
only 2% of India’s road network but account for nearly 30% of road accident
deaths.
¨ The Court stated that
Article 21 imposes a positive obligation on the State to ensure a safe
environment.
¨ This right is not limited
to protection from unlawful death but also includes protection from preventable
dangers.
¨
An immediate ban has been
imposed on new commercial structures, dhabas, and eateries within the
Right-of-Way of National Highways.
¨ Heavy and commercial
vehicles are strictly prohibited from parking on highways, carriageways, or
paved shoulders.
¨
Vehicles can stop only at
designated lay-bys and roadside facilities.
¨ District Magistrates have
been directed to remove all unauthorized structures within 60 days.
¨
No license or commercial
approval in highway safety zones can be granted without prior permission from
NHAI or PWD.
¨ Formation of a ‘District
Highway Safety Task Force’ in every district has been made mandatory to ensure
enforcement and monitoring.
