Supreme Court: No ban on old vehicles in Delhi-NCR for now

The Supreme Court has ruled against taking punitive measures against owners of diesel and petrol vehicles aged between 10 to 15 years. On Tuesday, a bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, Justice K. Vinod Chandran, and Justice N.V. Anjaria issued this directive following an appeal by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi government, urging the Supreme Court to refrain from punitive actions.

Additionally, the Supreme Court has notified the central government, requesting a response within four weeks. Until then, no punitive actions will be enforced against the owners of these vehicles, as clarified by the court.

Delhi government's argument on the ban

On July 26, the Delhi government petitioned the Supreme Court to reassess the prohibition on diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years old operating in the Delhi-NCR area. The Delhi government contends that the existing policy is unfairly burdening the middle class. Rekha Gupta The government requested a reevaluation of the 2018 regulation that restricts older vehicles. The Supreme Court was asked to instruct the Central Government or the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to carry out a thorough scientific investigation.

Steps taken in view of air pollution

This research aims to evaluate the real environmental effects of the ban based on vehicle age and determine if this measure significantly enhances air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR). The petition suggested that the impact and fairness of an outright ban on all vehicles should be reconsidered. The government supports a more targeted, emission-based regulatory approach, considering the pollution produced by the vehicle and its condition rather than its age. The Delhi government informed the supreme court that BS-6 vehicles produce significantly less pollution compared to BS-4 vehicles.