SC Rules Walking on Footpaths is Fundamental Right Under Article 19(1)(d) and 21; Gurgaon Scores 0.68/5 on Walkability

AP Pedestrian Safety Policy 2026: SC Recognises Right to Walk, 36,526 Pedestrian Deaths in 2024, Section 198A Fine

The Supreme Court recognized the right to walk on footpaths as a fundamental right. Andhra Pradesh became the first state to notify a pedestrian safety policy, mandating audits, removal of encroachments, and a Rs 1 lakh fine under Section 198A MV Act for infrastructure failure causing death. With 1 in 5 road deaths being pedestrians (36,526 in 2024), this policy is a landmark for urban governance and social justice.

SC: Right to Walk on Demarcated Footpaths is Fundamental Right under Article 19(1)(d) & Article 21

The Supreme Court declared the right to walk on demarcated footpaths as a fundamental right under Articles 19(1)(d) and 21, prioritizing pedestrians over motorized vehicles. It has now directed all states and UTs to respond on implementation, making it a high-yield topic for Prelims (constitutional articles, dates) and Mains (urban governance, fundamental rights).

AP High Court Declares Three-Capitals Petitions Infructuous; Amaravati Now Sole Capital Under AP Reorganisation (Amendment) Act 2026

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has deemed all petitions against the proposed three-capitals model as infructuous after Parliament amended the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, making Amaravati the sole capital by law. This ends a long-standing political and legal battle, with implications for state governance and federal structure.

Jharkhand HC: Right to Protest Cannot Extend to Obstructing Courts, Directs Security for Judicial Officers

The Jharkhand High Court has ruled that the fundamental right to protest under Article 19 does not permit obstruction of court proceedings, assault on judicial officers, or vandalism of court premises. This ruling, arising from a 2022 mob attack at Latehar Civil Court, reinforces judicial independence as a basic feature of the Constitution and mandates enhanced security for judicial officers across the state. For exam aspirants, this is a key case linking fundamental rights, reasonable restrictions, and the doctrine of basic structure.

SC Stops Assam Teacher Appointments Under Provincialisation; Cites Articles 14, 16, 21A & 254

The Supreme Court on September 8, 2026 restrained Assam from appointing or absorbing teachers in schools and colleges under the provincialisation scheme, in response to a PIL challenging the 2017 Act. The petition argues that the scheme allows entry into government service without fair, transparent and competitive recruitment, violating Articles 14, 16, 21A and 254. This is a high-yield case combining constitutional law, teacher eligibility and Centre-State legislative overlap.

SC Rules Cinema Halls Private Property, Upholds Food Pricing Freedom in Multiplexes

The Supreme Court's 2023 ruling in KC Cinema vs JK holds multiplexes as private property, allowing owners to set food prices and ban outside food. Despite public outcry over exorbitant prices (popcorn ₹340-₹570), the Legal Metrology Department can only check MRP compliance, not fix prices.

Telangana HC Disqualifies MLA Under Tenth Schedule for Contesting Lok Sabha on Congress Ticket

Telangana High Court set aside the Assembly Speaker's order rejecting disqualification petitions and declared BRS-turned-Congress MLA Danam Nagender disqualified from April 23, 2024. The case reinforces the Tenth Schedule's anti-defection law: contesting a Lok Sabha election on another party ticket without resigning from the original party amounts to voluntarily giving up membership. This verdict is crucial for UPSC Polity as it clarifies the Speaker's role and limits of judicial review.

7 Years After Article 370 Revocation: J&K Still Awaits Statehood, Per Capita Income Ratio Falls to 76.6%

Seven years after the revocation of Article 370 and the loss of statehood, Jammu and Kashmir continues to face economic decline, high unemployment, and heavy-handed security measures. Despite Supreme Court advice to restore statehood, no timeline has been set. The article highlights the need for accountable governance through an elected administration, as the current Lt Governor-led rule lacks democratic accountability.