KATHMANDU: The Supreme Court has issued a mandamus order directing federal ministries and the Kathmandu Metropolitan City to immediately clear all sidewalk encroachments to protect pedestrians’ constitutional right to walk freely and safely.

Releasing the full text of its December 2024 verdict, a joint bench of Justices Hari Prasad Phuyal and Nripa Dhwaj Niroula ordered the removal of police posts, private structures, construction materials, and commercial platforms from pavements.

Citing tragic past incidents where citizens and wildlife died after falling into open drains and construction pits, the Court emphasized that safe sidewalks fall under the constitutional right to live with dignity.

Furthermore, the apex court ruled that under the Civil Code, relevant government agencies will hold vicarious liability for public torts and must compensate victims for medical expenses, punitive damages, and future economic loss if negligence by public officials results in harm or loss of life.