Right to walk on footpaths: Recognition as a Fundamental Right

General Studies Paper - I: Indian Heritage and Culture, World History and Geography, and Society.

General Studies Paper - II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.

Context

Recently, the Supreme Court, in a very important judgment, clarified that the right of citizens to walk safely on footpaths is a fundamental right. This decision is a historic step towards giving top priority to human dignity and the right to life in urban planning.

Fundamental Rights and the Indian Constitution

Fundamental Rights are described in Part-III of the Indian Constitution (Articles 12 to 35). Fundamental Rights are those basic rights which are essential for the all-round development of an individual and are protected against the arbitrary powers of the state. These rights are justiciable against the state, meaning that in case of their violation, citizens can directly move to the High Court or the Supreme Court. In this case, the court has based its judgment on Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty), which guarantees the right to a dignified life along with the right to life.

Reasons for Discussion

• Road Accident: This judgment came after the heartbreaking death of a 5-year-old boy, who was crushed by a truck while walking to school with his father.

• Urban Disorder: Due to rapid urbanization and the pressure of increasing motorized vehicles, space for pedestrians in cities has almost vanished, making them unsafe.
• Lack of Accountability: Taking cognizance of the continuous negligence in the maintenance of footpaths by local bodies is the main focus of this discussion.

Important Statements of the Supreme Court

• "If a road exists, then there must be a duty to ensure that a footpath is demarcated and maintained for the walkers."

• "The fundamental right to walk on demarcated footpaths shall always override the privilege of motorized vehicles."
• "Walking should be safe and carefree, there should be no fear of danger lurking at every turn."
• The court termed it as the "simplest human activity inextricably connected to life."

Articles Defined by the Supreme Court

• Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the 'Right to Life and Personal Liberty', has been expanded by the Supreme Court to recognize the 'Right to walk on footpaths' as a fundamental right. Additionally, under Article 19(1), citizens have the right to move freely throughout the territory of India, which is incomplete without safe footpaths.

• Along with this, Justice P.S. Narasimha clarified that walking is not just a physical activity, but it falls within the broad ambit of Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of speech and expression), Article 19(1)(b) (Freedom to assemble peaceably), and Article 19(1)(c) (Freedom to form associations or unions), as it is the basis of social interaction and public life.

Other Important Points

• The lack of footpaths is an indicator of social inequality, where machines (vehicles) have dominated the rights of pedestrians.

• The court emphasized that this is not just an issue of road construction, but an urgent need for a clear 'statutory framework'.
• The court has directed compensation of more than ₹1 lakh to the victim's family in this case.

Constitutional and Legal Provisions

• Article 21: Right to safe environment and safe movement under the 'Right to Life'.

• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): Under Articles 38 and 39 of the Directive Principles of State Policy, the state is directed to formulate policies for social-economic justice, public welfare, adequate livelihood, and protection of weaker sections, which are helpful in promoting a dignified life for citizens.
• Local Body Laws: Maintenance of public roads and footpaths is a mandatory legal duty under Municipal Corporation Acts.

Analysis

This decision is a necessary and revolutionary shift from a 'vehicle-centric' model of urban planning to a 'human-centric' model. It reminds the government and administrative bodies of their constitutional responsibilities so that future accidents can be prevented and the right to life of citizens can be effectively protected.

Way Forward

• Mandatory Implementation: Municipal corporations should make 'dedicated lanes' for pedestrians mandatory in the construction of new roads.

• Safety Audit and Accountability: A regular 'safety audit' of footpaths should be conducted and accountability of the concerned officials should be fixed for negligence.
• Encroachment-free Campaign: The central and state governments should take strict legal action against permanent and temporary encroachments on footpaths.

Conclusion

This historic decision of the Supreme Court is not just a judicial directive, but a new discourse on inclusive urban development in India. Adding the safety of footpaths to the definition of 'Right to Life' proves that in a democracy, the safety of a citizen is far more valuable than any development project or the speed of vehicles. Now is the time that our roads should not only be for vehicles, but safe for every person who is walking towards their livelihood and education. A just and humane society is one that provides a safe corridor to its weakest and pedestrian citizens.

Section 69A of the IT Act and Telegram: Implications and Impact of the Delhi High Court's Decision

General Studies Paper – II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.

Context

The cases of alleged paper leaks and organized fraud in the recently held NEET (UG) 2026 examination have created a huge controversy in the country. Against this backdrop, the temporary ban imposed by the Central Government on the messaging platform Telegram has become a subject of significant debate between digital security and constitutional rights.

Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act

• Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, empowers the government to issue directions to block access to any 'information' in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, defense, security of India, or public order, through any computer resource (internet platform or website) in the public interest. It is an emergency provision under which it is mandatory to follow a prescribed procedure.

Main Reason for Discussion

This case is a rare example of blocking an 'entire platform' instead of 'content'. The main points are as follows:

• Allegation of Paper Leak: Gangs allegedly leaking NEET question papers were active on Telegram.
• Argument of Failure: The government believes that merely removing specific channels or links was not stopping the fraud, as perpetrators would immediately create 'mirror channels' or 'backup groups'.
• Integrity of Examination: Protecting the future of crores of students and the sanctity of the examination is the government's priority.

Stand of the Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court, while dismissing Telegram's challenge, upheld the Centre's ban. The court stated that:

• The government has fully followed the procedure prescribed under Section 69A.
• The government has recorded sufficient and reasonable grounds for exercising its emergency powers.
• Efforts for channel-specific take-downs failed; therefore, imposing a temporary ban on the entire platform was a 'proportionate' and justified step.

Definition of "Information" according to the Act

The court clarified that the definition of "information" under the IT Act is extremely broad. It includes software, computer programs, data, and all such applications that perform logical, arithmetic, and memory functions through electronic, magnetic, or optical impulses. Since Telegram functions as a "computer resource," the government is legally empowered to block it.

Telegram's Objections

Telegram presented its side in court, arguing:

• Allegation of Discrimination: Telegram claimed that it was being unfairly targeted compared to other platforms.
• Claim of Cooperation: The company stated that it has removed over 900 illegal links related to NEET through AI and manual moderation.
• Questioning Interpretation: Telegram argued that the law only allows removing specific content, not shutting down the entire platform.

Constitutional Rights and Legal Provisions

The constitutional aspect of this issue is 'Freedom of Speech and Expression' versus 'Reasonable Restrictions':

• Article 19(1)(a): Citizens have the right to freedom of speech, but it is not absolute.
• Article 19(2): The State can impose 'reasonable restrictions' on it in the interest of public order, security, and integrity.
• Legal Balance: The law determines that any restriction should not be arbitrary but rational and in the public interest, as the court in this case proved by considering the government's action 'justified'.

International Law Provisions

Strict standards are now being set for digital platforms globally:

• Digital Accountability: Similar to laws like Europe's 'Digital Services Act', it is now being accepted globally that platforms cannot remain 'passive' regarding crimes committed through their infrastructure.
• Platform Responsibility: If a platform repeatedly becomes a hub for illegal activities and fails to stop trends like 'mirroring', international law also supports holding it accountable.

Analysis

Criminal activities cannot be promoted in the name of technological neutrality. When perpetrators challenge the law by repeatedly creating 'backup groups', the effectiveness of 'targeted removal' ends. In such a situation, the government's 'platform-level' intervention becomes a necessary legal and administrative step.

Way Forward

• Proactive Moderation: Platforms like Telegram will have to make their AI algorithms stricter so that illegal links are deleted as soon as they are posted.

• Data Sharing: A 'fast-track' mechanism should be developed for information sharing between government agencies and technical platforms.
• Technical Solution: Instead of just a ban, the platform should create a digital framework that prevents perpetrators from creating new accounts repeatedly.

Conclusion

This decision of the Delhi High Court clarifies that the privacy of technology is not above the law. Maintaining the sanctity of the examination is a national priority, and the court has affirmed the rights of the government while emphasizing digital security. This serves as a precedent for the future that digital platforms will have to increase their accountability, otherwise, they will have to face legal actions.

Mekedatu Dam Project: Water Disputes and Constitutional Challenges

General Studies Paper – II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations.

Context

Recently, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a unanimous resolution strongly opposing the 'Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project' proposed by the Karnataka government on the Cauvery River. This dispute has brought the old conflict of water-sharing among the Cauvery basin states back into the spotlight.

What is the Mekedatu Dam Project?

The Mekedatu project is an ambitious water storage and power generation project proposed by the Karnataka government on the Cauvery River. Its main objective is to ensure drinking water supply for Bengaluru city and surrounding areas and to generate hydroelectricity.

Reasons for Discussion

• Recent Resolution of the Tamil Nadu Assembly: In the context of the letter sent by the Tamil Nadu government on March 4, 2026, the State Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution opposing the Mekedatu project. This resolution urges the Union government not to grant any form of approval (technical or environmental) to this project.

• Reference to Judicial Decisions: The Tamil Nadu government has argued that the construction of a dam at Mekedatu violates the final decision of the 'Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal' dated February 5, 2007, and the Supreme Court judgment dated February 16, 2018.
• Status of the Cauvery Basin: The Tribunal and the Supreme Court have previously held that the Cauvery basin is a 'Deficit Basin'. The available water has already been allocated among the basin states, so the consent of Tamil Nadu is considered fundamental for any additional project.
• Demand for a New Tribunal: The Tamil Nadu government has formally demanded the formation of a new tribunal from the Union government under Section 4 of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
• Pressure on CWC: Tamil Nadu has explicitly cautioned the 'Central Water Commission' (CWC) neither to review the 'Detailed Project Report' (DPR) submitted by the Karnataka government nor to grant it any approval.

Main Issue of Dispute

The core of the dispute is 'water availability' and 'rights'. Tamil Nadu argues that the Cauvery basin is a 'Deficit Basin', where water has already been allocated among various states. Karnataka's unilateral dam construction could make water flow uncertain for the lower riparian parts of Tamil Nadu, potentially causing a crisis for agriculture and drinking water security.

Why does the Tamil Nadu Assembly oppose it?

• Encroachment on Rights: Tamil Nadu considers this a clear violation of the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (2007) and the Supreme Court judgment of 2018.

• Lack of Consensus: Tamil Nadu states that prior consent of basin states is mandatory for any inter-state river project, which Karnataka has ignored.
• Ecological Concern: Obstruction of the natural flow of the river could increase the problem of saltwater intrusion in the delta regions.

Importance of the Project

• Drinking Water Crisis: Karnataka claims that this project is indispensable for drinking water supply to the growing population of Bengaluru.

• Power Generation: Hydropower is a green alternative to meet additional energy requirements.
• Water Conservation: The primary goal is to store surplus monsoon water for use during times of drought.

Laws and Provisions for Building a Dam on a River

• For the construction of a dam on an inter-state river, technical approval from the 'Central Water Commission' (CWC) and environmental clearance from the 'Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change' are necessary. Also, under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, if a state affects the interests of another state, it is required to take the consent of the basin states. Although the law (such as the ISRWD Act 1956) does not explicitly say that "consent is mandatory for every project", the principle of inter-state river water usage is based on "Equitable Apportionment".

Provisions for River Disputes

• Article 262 of the Indian Constitution empowers Parliament to enact laws for the adjudication of disputes related to inter-state rivers or river valleys. Under this, the 'Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956' has come into existence, which provides for the formation of a tribunal and considers its decision as final.

Old Disputes and Court Decisions

• The Cauvery water dispute is one of the oldest disputes in India. The 2007 Tribunal decision and the historic 2018 Supreme Court judgment defined the water share between the states.

• The Supreme Court, in its judgment, considered the Cauvery as 'National Property' and asked the states to adopt a collaborative approach for water sharing.
• However, in November 2025, the Supreme Court dismissed Tamil Nadu's petition, stating that objecting at the DPR (Detailed Project Report) stage is "premature" and that expert bodies (CWMA, CWC, etc.) will decide first.

Analysis

This dispute is not just technical but a complex part of federal politics. Where on one side are the states' rights to their own development, on the other is the constitutional right to water security. Thus, unilateral action harms the federal structure and violates constitutional boundaries.

Way Forward

• Collaborative Dialogue: A high-level water commission should be formed between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to make data sharing transparent.

• Intervention of Tribunal: If the dispute over the project is not resolved, an independent assessment of technical-economic viability through judicial process is mandatory.
• Scientific Water Management: Instead of just building a dam, 'Integrated Water Resources Management' (IWRM) should be adopted at the basin level.

Conclusion

The Mekedatu dispute is a severe test for our Cooperative Federalism. Water is not just a resource, but the lifeline of life. If the goal of development is to be achieved within the limits prescribed by the Constitution, the path of 'consensus' rather than 'dispute' is the only option. In the future, we need a water-sharing model that not only quenches the thirst of the states but also strengthens the constitutional trust between them.

Expansion of Lakes in Arunachal: A Decade of Analysis and Potential Threats

General Studies Paper – III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management.

Context

A recent satellite-based analysis conducted by 'Suhora Technologies' has highlighted the status of five major glacial lakes located in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. According to the report, the extent of four of these lakes has increased over the last decade (2016-2026). Although experts do not consider this an immediate sign of any major disaster, it is a serious pointer towards increasing climate threats and the need for continuous monitoring.

Key Points:

Suhora Technologies has studied five lakes in the Mago Chu basin, which have already been classified as 'high-risk' or 'very high-risk' by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

• Extent of expansion: Expansion has been recorded in four lakes.
• Major Lake - Sanhapo: This is the most concerning lake in the study. Its area was 78.07 hectares in 2019, which increased to 88.81 hectares by mid-June 2026.
• Other Lakes: Two 'very high-risk' lakes have increased by about a hectare, while 'Dharkha Tso' lake has also shown gradual expansion. Only one lake has remained stable.
• This report has been prepared by the Noida-based geospatial intelligence firm 'Suhora Technologies'.

Expert Opinion:

Experts are considering this data as a 'sign of caution' rather than proof of an 'impending disaster'.

• Amit Kumar (COO, Suhora Technologies): According to him, in remote mountain regions where access is difficult, monitoring using satellite data (ICEYE, PlanetScope, LISS-IV) is mandatory. This becomes even more important as the monsoon season approaches.
• Anil Kulkarni (Renowned Glaciologist, IISc Bengaluru): He has clarified that an increase in the size of the lake alone is not the only criterion for danger. He emphasized that:
  • It is necessary to understand the scientific reasons behind the expansion of the lake.
  • Factors like the strength of moraines (natural dams made of debris), the possibility of landslides, and avalanches determine how risky the lake is.

The Danger of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)

This study has come against the backdrop of the increasing threat of GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) in the Himalayan region. GLOF occurs when:

• Natural moraine dams break.
• A large amount of debris, avalanche, or landslide falls into the lake, causing the water level to be suddenly displaced and generating destructive waves.
• Historical Context: The October 2023 Sikkim disaster (the breach of South Lhonak Lake) is a vivid example of such threats, which caused massive damage to life, property, and infrastructure (like the Chungthang dam).

Way Forward

• Conducting detailed 'hazard modelling' for high-risk lakes.

• Developing a dedicated mechanism for continuous monitoring.
• Establishing early warning systems in these remote areas as soon as possible. This report clarifies that 'vigilance' and 'continuous scientific study' regarding the changes occurring in the Himalayan ecosystem is the only effective way to prevent future disasters.

Conclusion

Although India has achieved significant technical capability in the field of satellite monitoring and modelling, translating scientific findings into practical measures for 'risk reduction' on the ground remains a major challenge.

Abhigyan App

Context

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has launched the 'Abhigyan' app, which will facilitate the instant identification of suspects and verification of criminal records on the street through portable fingerprint scanners. This digital initiative, by connecting to the NAFIS database, will make ground-level policing and the investigation process highly effective and rapid.

Current Developments

• Police and investigating agencies will now be able to conduct checks on the pending criminal records of any suspicious individual in just 35 seconds by taking thumb impressions during routine vehicle checks on the street.

• This facility will eliminate the geographical limitations of the 1,556 workstations currently available, providing police officers with direct access to the database via smartphones.

Abhigyan App:

• What it is and who developed it: It is an advanced mobile application developed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), which is a mobile extension of the 'National Automated Fingerprint Identification System' (NAFIS).

• Who launched it: Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched it on June 19, 2026, during the '26th All India Fingerprint Conference' held in New Delhi.
• Objective: To empower police personnel deployed in the field to identify criminals and verify their criminal history anywhere, at any time.
• Technology and Functionality: The app works through a portable fingerprint scanner and a smartphone. It is secured with two-step authentication. Upon taking a fingerprint with the scanner, it matches it against the massive NAFIS database and provides results within 35 seconds.
• Other important points: It is connected to NAFIS, which stores data on over 1.3 crore criminals, convicts, and prisoners, along with 9.91 lakh drug traffickers and 3.65 lakh human trafficking cases.

Requirement and Importance

• Instant Identification: By eliminating the complex process of taking individuals to a workstation, the identification of suspects will be possible on the spot.

• Police Security: By receiving immediate alerts regarding the presence of hardened criminals, field officers will be able to ensure their own safety.
• Time-bound Justice: This app will help in quickly gathering scientific evidence during investigations, preparing accurate chargesheets, and resolving cases in a time-bound manner.

Concerns

• Legal Limitations: The 'Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022' primarily provides for the mandatory collection of biometric data of arrested or convicted individuals; the legal position regarding 'random tests' of ordinary citizens without evidence linked to any crime is not clear.
• Right to Privacy: There are concerns regarding data security and privacy related to the large-scale collection of biometric data and its use via smartphones.

Conclusion  

The 'Abhigyan' app is a revolutionary technical step in the field of modern digital policing and crime investigation. However, for its complete success, it will be essential to maintain a balance between its usage, legal boundaries, and individual privacy rights.

Abhigyan App

Context

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has launched the 'Abhigyan' app, which will facilitate the instant identification of suspects and verification of criminal records on the street through portable fingerprint scanners. This digital initiative, by connecting to the NAFIS database, will make ground-level policing and the investigation process highly effective and rapid.

Current Developments

• Police and investigating agencies will now be able to conduct checks on the pending criminal records of any suspicious individual in just 35 seconds by taking thumb impressions during routine vehicle checks on the street.

• This facility will eliminate the geographical limitations of the 1,556 workstations currently available, providing police officers with direct access to the database via smartphones.

Abhigyan App:

• What it is and who developed it: It is an advanced mobile application developed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), which is a mobile extension of the 'National Automated Fingerprint Identification System' (NAFIS).

• Who launched it: Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched it on June 19, 2026, during the '26th All India Fingerprint Conference' held in New Delhi.
• Objective: To empower police personnel deployed in the field to identify criminals and verify their criminal history anywhere, at any time.
• Technology and Functionality: The app works through a portable fingerprint scanner and a smartphone. It is secured with two-step authentication. Upon taking a fingerprint with the scanner, it matches it against the massive NAFIS database and provides results within 35 seconds.
• Other important points: It is connected to NAFIS, which stores data on over 1.3 crore criminals, convicts, and prisoners, along with 9.91 lakh drug traffickers and 3.65 lakh human trafficking cases.

Requirement and Importance

• Instant Identification: By eliminating the complex process of taking individuals to a workstation, the identification of suspects will be possible on the spot.

• Police Security: By receiving immediate alerts regarding the presence of hardened criminals, field officers will be able to ensure their own safety.
• Time-bound Justice: This app will help in quickly gathering scientific evidence during investigations, preparing accurate chargesheets, and resolving cases in a time-bound manner.

Concerns

• Legal Limitations: The 'Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022' primarily provides for the mandatory collection of biometric data of arrested or convicted individuals; the legal position regarding 'random tests' of ordinary citizens without evidence linked to any crime is not clear.
• Right to Privacy: There are concerns regarding data security and privacy related to the large-scale collection of biometric data and its use via smartphones.

Conclusion  

The 'Abhigyan' app is a revolutionary technical step in the field of modern digital policing and crime investigation. However, for its complete success, it will be essential to maintain a balance between its usage, legal boundaries, and individual privacy rights.