Kerala High Court Closes PIL Seeking Compliance On Road Standards For Pedestrian Safety

The division bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V M disposed of the petition.

The public interest litigation has sought various reliefs, including a direction to the State of Kerala, the NHAI and the Kerala Road Safety Authority to comply with the guidelines issued by the Indian Road Congress with respect to pedestrian-friendly measures.

The Court has earlier directed the NHAI to give publicity to the newly introduced feature in its mobile application 'Rajmargyatra' that permits citizens to submit grievances under the head 'Non-conformity regarding Indian Roads Congress Standards for the Pedestrians.'

During the previous date of hearing, the petitioners submitted that the application primarily referred to issues faced by pedestrians and does not adequately address the overall condition of the roads. It was also highlighted that no clear methodology has been developed on how the complaints are lodged in the app. The Court has thus sought clarification regarding the functioning of the app.

The Counsel for NHAI on Thursday (29 January) submitted that the mobile app is functional and the other grievances raised by the petitioners stands addressed in the earlier interim order.

He also added that NHAi is open to suggestions regarding the issues raised and if any grievances are outstanding, upon being brought to its notice, appropriate steps will be taken by NHAi in that respect.

The Court recorded the submissions and disposed of the petition. It has reserved the right of the petitioner to approach the Court in case of any subsisting grievance.

Case Title: Prasad Somarajan v State of Kerala

Case No: WP(C) 20485/ 2024

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 70

Counsel for Petitioner: A Aruna

Counsel for Respondents: Lejo Joseph George, E C Kuriakose, V Tekchand (Sr. GP)