Supreme Court Road Safety Directions: Article 21, Blackspots & Road Safety Reforms

21 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India issued nationwide directions to improve highway safety following two successive road accidents in Phalodi (Rajasthan) and Rangareddy (Telangana) in November 2025 that caused 34 deaths.

Best Online Coaching for UPSC

Key Observations by the Court

High Fatality Concentration: National highways constitute 2% of India’s road network but account for nearly 30% of road fatalities, indicating systemic safety failures.
Obligation: Road safety was linked to the Right to Life under Article 21.
- The ‘Right to Life’ enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution of India is not merely a guarantee against the unlawful taking of life, but a positive mandate upon the State to ensure a safe environment where human life is preserved and valued.
Systemic Negligence: Illegal parking, roadside structures, and poorly managed blackspots were identified as major causes of accidents.
Use of Constitutional Powers: Directions were issued under Article 142 to ensure complete justice and enforce nationwide compliance.
- Article 142 empowers the Supreme Court of India to pass any decree or order necessary to do “complete justice” in any case before it.

Major Directions Issued

Ban on Highway Parking: Heavy or commercial vehicles cannot stop on national highway carriageways or shoulders except in designated bays or lay-bys.
Removal of Roadside Structures: No new dhabas, eateries, or other commercial establishments are permitted within the Right of Way (ROW) of national highways to prevent roadside congestion and enhance road safety.
- The Right of Way is the total width of land acquired by the government for the construction, operation, and future expansion of a highway.
- ROW encompasses not just the paved portion but also includes shoulders, medians, drainage systems, utilities, and future expansions
Technology-based Enforcement: Use of Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) with cameras, speed detectors, GPS-based evidence and e-challan generation.
District Highway Safety Task Force: Every district with a national highway must establish a task force involving district administration, police, NHAI (National Highways Authority of India)/PWD (Public Works Department), and local bodies.
Truck lay-by Facilities: Creation of designated stopping areas for trucks and long-distance vehicles.
Blackspot Rectification and Lighting: Identification and correction of accident-prone locations along highways.
Strict Coordination: Directions apply to states, UTs, police, and the National Highways Authority of India.

Compliance Timeline

District Task Forces: To be constituted within 15 days of the Court’s order.
Removal of Illegal Structures: All unauthorised roadside structures must be removed within 60 days.
Compliance Report to the Court: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) must submit a compliance report within 75 days.