Supreme Court Dismisses Cycling Track Petition: A Call to Prioritize Basic Needs

In a recent hearing, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition calling for the establishment of cycling tracks across the country. Expressing serious concerns, the bench, led by Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Abhay S. Oka, highlighted the misplaced priorities reflected in the petition. With many states struggling to provide basic amenities like housing and clean drinking water to their citizens, the demand for cycling tracks was deemed inconsiderate of the pressing needs of the underprivileged.

The court's remarks shed light on the grim realities faced by people in slum areas, emphasizing the lack of resources available to states for providing essential services. The bench criticized the petition's focus on cycling tracks over fundamental rights, stating, “Go to the slums. See the condition of the people living there. There are no funds with the states to provide them proper housing. You must provide basic amenities to the people.” This strong statement underlines the court's stance on addressing the basic needs of the population as a priority over recreational infrastructure.

Moreover, the Supreme Court underscored the importance of reevaluating our priorities, suggesting that the government and its agencies should focus on implementing Article 21 of the Constitution. This article guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which encompasses the provision of basic necessities such as clean drinking water. The bench pointed out the growing concerns over the availability of clean water and the declining state of government schools, questioning the petitioner's focus on cycling tracks amidst such critical issues.

The petitioner, Devinder Singh Negi, a cycling enthusiast, faced sharp criticism from the court for his petition. The bench's response highlights the judiciary's frustration with frivolous demands that overlook the broader, more critical issues affecting the nation's well-being. “Article 21 of the Constitution has to be kept in mind. There is no drinking water for the people. Government schools are closing down. And you want cycle tracks,” remarked the bench, dismissing Negi's petition.

This incident reflects the Supreme Court's serious approach towards ensuring the fundamental rights and needs of the citizens are met before considering enhancements to urban infrastructure like cycling tracks. It serves as a reminder of the need to align our priorities with the essential requirements of the population, especially the underprivileged who lack access to basic amenities.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court's dismissal of the petition for cycling tracks underscores the critical need to address fundamental issues such as housing, clean drinking water, and education before focusing on recreational infrastructure. This decision reiterates the importance of prioritizing the basic rights and needs of the citizens, ensuring that the essential services are not overshadowed by less critical demands.