The Supreme Court on Monday said that People sleeping on pavements and footpaths even after 64 years of independence is a matter of concern. The apex court asked the states to comply with its order to provide roofs to the homeless facing threat to their lives while sleeping in open and intense cold.

Quoting Article 21 of the Constitution, which deals with the fundamental right of life and liberty, the apex court said the right to shelter is also right to life and the authorities, particularly in northern states, must gear up to preserve and protect the lives of the people of weaker sections and destitute. The court has asked the states to comply with its order within three weeks.