In a significant judgment, a Bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Atul S. Chandurkar has highlighted the importance of footpaths beyond their role in preventing accidents.
The judgment, delivered in the case of Maniyar Iliyaz@Shaik Riyaz versus P. Ayyappan, emphasizes that footpaths serve a greater purpose than merely providing a narrow strip of land for pedestrians to avoid being hit by speeding vehicles on multi-lane motorways. Justice Narasimha’s judgment decouples footpaths from the theme of motor accidents.
According to the judgment, the sole objective of a footpath is not to avoid accidents, but rather to serve a distinct purpose of its own. The pathways have an identity and a greater purpose of their own. By recognizing the inherent value of footpaths, the judgment redefines their role.
