Using end-of-life vehicles below BS-IV banned in Delhi-NCR
What's the story
The Supreme Court of India has allowed action against diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years in Delhi-NCR, provided they meet emission standards below BS-IV. The decision was made by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul Pancholi. The ruling modifies an earlier order from August 12 that had prohibited coercive action against such old vehicles, without considering their emission standards.
Pollution control
Delhi government requested modification to curb pollution
Aishwarya Bhati, the Additional Solicitor General representing the Delhi government, had sought a modification of the August 12 order. She argued that action should be allowed against vehicles up to BS-III as their emission standards are poor and contribute to pollution. Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, an amicus curiae in the air pollution matter (MC Mehta Case), also supported this view.
Order modification
Supreme Court modifies earlier order
The SC modified its earlier order to clarify that no coercive steps shall be taken against owners of vehicles that are BS-IV and newer, on the grounds of being over 10 years old (for diesel engines) and 15 years old (for petrol engines). The decision is a significant step in the ongoing battle against air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
Vehicle regulations
NGT's 2015 directive and Delhi government's recent actions
In 2015, the National Green Tribunal had ordered that diesel models older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years, should not be allowed to ply in Delhi-NCR to curb pollution. The directive was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. In 2024, the Delhi government issued guidelines for dealing with end-of-life vehicles parked on public roads.