Supreme Court Orders States to Enact Road Safety Rules for Pedestrians, Cycles Within 6 Months

In a landmark move aimed at enhancing road safety for vulnerable users, the Supreme Court of India on Tuesday directed all States and Union Territories (UTs) to frame comprehensive road safety rules within six months. These rules must address the regulation of non-motorised transport (NMT) like bicycles, hand carts, and pedestrian traffic in public spaces.

A Bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan issued the directive while hearing a decade-old public interest litigation, S Rajaseekaran vs. Union of India and Others. The petition was filed by Dr. S. Rajaseekaran, a Coimbatore-based orthopaedic surgeon, in 2012, highlighting India's alarmingly high rate of road accidents and inadequate post-accident care.

The Court cited Sections 138(1A) and 210D of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, as amended in 2019, which empower State governments to implement rules governing the movement of non-motorised vehicles and pedestrians and to set standards for road design and maintenance.

Justice Pardiwala emphasized that road safety should not remain confined to motor vehicles alone. “With millions of Indians using bicycles, carts, and walking as primary modes of transport, it is imperative to have enforceable regulations to protect their rights and safety,” he observed.

According to the court’s directive:

States must frame safety rules under Section 138(1A) to regulate non-mechanised transport and pedestrian movement.

For national highways, rules should be made in consultation with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Under Section 210D, States are required to set construction and maintenance standards for all roads other than national highways.

The Court also noted that several States had not yet framed such rules despite the 2019 amendments, prompting the six-month deadline.

The original petitioner, Dr. Rajaseekaran, sought systemic reforms, urging the Centre to enforce coordinated policies to curb road fatalities and improve trauma care infrastructure. He lauded the judgment as a “critical step toward inclusive road safety for all.”

Road Fatalities in India

India currently records one of the highest numbers of road fatalities globally, with pedestrians and cyclists accounting for a significant portion of victims. Experts believe this ruling will encourage safer urban planning and better accountability in infrastructure development.

The next hearing is scheduled after six months to review compliance by all States and UTs.