Supreme Court stays action against owners of over 10-year-old diesel, 15-year-old petrol vehicles in Delhi
PTC Web Desk: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that no coercive steps be taken against owners of diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years in Delhi, pending further hearing in the matter.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria issued the directive while hearing MC Mehta v. Union of India. “Issue notice returnable in four weeks. In the meantime, no coercive steps to be taken against the owners of cars on the ground that they are 10 years old in respect to diesel vehicles and 15 years old with respect to petrol vehicles,” the court stated in its order.
The Delhi Government had approached the Supreme Court seeking a review of its 2018 order banning such vehicles in the National Capital Region (NCR) as part of pollution control measures. The application argued that the 2018 ban was imposed without any scientific study or environmental impact assessment and that pollution control frameworks have significantly evolved since then.
The government pointed to the nationwide implementation of Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission standards in 2020 and the enhanced Pollution Under Control (PUC) certification system. It further highlighted that BS-VI vehicles emit far fewer pollutants and, if the ban remains in force, even compliant, roadworthy vehicles would be forced off the roads without a scientific basis.
Other developments cited include the availability of cleaner fuels, the promotion of electric vehicles, and multiple measures aimed at reducing emissions. The Delhi government stressed that many older vehicles, particularly those used sparingly, contribute minimally to overall pollution yet are still affected by the blanket ban.
The plea also underlined the negative impact on the second-hand vehicle market, which serves as an affordable option for lower-income families. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, argued that vehicle usage varies widely and that age alone should not determine roadworthiness. He noted that current enforcement measures require the police to seize such vehicles, creating unnecessary hardship.
The matter will be heard again in four weeks.
- With inputs from agencies
