Right to safe travel on highways part of right to life: apex court, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court declared that the right to safe travel on highways is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• The ruling came in response to a suo motu case following accidents in Rajasthan and Telangana in November 2025 that caused 34 deaths.
• The court prohibited new dhabas, eateries, and commercial structures within the right-of-way of any National Highway.
• Heavy vehicles are now restricted to parking only at designated bays and wayside amenities.

Detailed Insights:

• National Highways account for approximately 2% of India’s total road length but contribute to nearly 30% of all road fatalities, highlighting a critical safety concern.
• The court emphasized that roads, especially high-speed expressways, should not become dangerous due to administrative inaction or infrastructural deficiencies.
• The right to life, as interpreted by the court, places a positive obligation on the state to ensure a safe environment, going beyond merely preventing unlawful killings.
• The order addresses hazards like illegal parking and blackspots, which the court views as failures of the state's responsibility to protect its citizens.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Article 21: Guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty.
• Suo Motu: An action taken by a court on its own without any prompting from parties.
• Right of Way: The legal right of passage over another person's property or a designated area.

Right to Life