SC says can't revise road building norms across the country

The Supreme Court on Monday, expressed its limitation in passing sweeping or far-reaching directions on modifying road construction rules across the country so that visually impaired and other disabled persons can access them easily.

However, the apex court was of the view that the issue could be addressed by specifying important areas of public utility around airports, railway stations, bus stands and university areas.

"You know well that this is not possible in a country like India. However, in small areas it could be done," a Bench comprising chief justice KG Balakrishnan and justice P Sathasivam said.

The court was hearing two PILs saying that road construction norms should be modified across the country so that visually impaired and other handicapped persons can easily access them.

The Bench asked senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, who was addressing the court on the issue, to modify the prayers and suggest the guidelines that could be laid down.

The PIL filed by some disabled persons has also sought a direction to set up an expert committee to study the best practises adopted by other countries on the issue.

Further, the PIL has said issues of compensation in case of disable persons becoming victims of road accidents also needed to be addressed to properly.