‘Should have space to walk’: Court refuses to halt Safe Footpath Campaign in Bengaluru

The Karnataka High Court has ruled against a request to halt the Greater Bengaluru Authority's (GBA) Safe Footpath Campaign in Bengaluru. The campaign, aimed at ensuring pedestrians have adequate space on footpaths, was challenged by urban strategist R Rajgopalan through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice K S Hemalekha dismissed the application, stating there are no grounds to interfere with the campaign.

Rajgopalan argued that the campaign's execution is inconsistent and lacks clear scope, citing issues with footpath clearance and follow-up. The court affirmed that the campaign's purpose is to provide pedestrians space to walk, as mandated by the Supreme Court. Bengaluru's Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda had previously emphasized that the right to walk on footpaths is a fundamental right, citing Supreme Court directives and traffic accident statistics.

Rajgopalan also sought timely implementation of the Street Vendors Act, 2014, and the related rules. The court issued a notice to the government and GBA, requesting a report on the implementation of these laws within four weeks.