Proper road connectivity is a fundamental rights under Article 21: High Court

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 30, 2022

The High Court of Meghalaya on Thursday said the right to proper road connectivity is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

This was according to the order passed by the Court during the hearing of PIL No. 11 of 2022.

The court observed the need to build and maintain roads in a hilly terrain cannot be over-emphasised as it provides basic access to citizens and has to be regarded as an adjunct to the right under Article 21 of the Constitution.

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The Court said the State, NHAI and other concerned authorities should keep this in mind and plan out their activities so that access is not impeded at any time.

While on the subject, there several areas in the State, including places as close as within 40 km of Shillong where villagers do not have access to main roads.

The situation is worse in some of the western districts, particularly in the South Garo Hills District.

With medical and other facilities concentrated around the two major cities of Shillong and Tura in the State, the State administration should ensure that access is available from every part of the State so that emergency and other vehicles can reach from the remote areas to either major city.

There is no doubt that to provide access even to persons living in the remote areas of the State, substantial funds would be necessary.

However, in this day and age, shortage of funds cannot be an excuse for not providing such a basic right to the citizens.

The State and other concerned authorities should not treat this matter as an isolated case pertaining to a particular stretch of road, as the observations herein pertain to roads all over the State.

The Court while listing the matter for next hearing directed State to indicate whether there is a comprehensive plan for increasing the existing road network in the State and undertaking continual repair work to ensure that access is never impeded.