Supreme Court Temporarily Halts Action Against Older Diesel & Petrol Vehicles In Delhi

Supreme Court pauses enforcement of Delhi’s ban on older diesel & petrol vehicles

The Supreme Court of India has directed authorities not to take punitive measures against owners of diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years old in Delhi for the time being. This interim relief will remain in place until the matter is reviewed again in four weeks.

The order came during the hearing of an application filed by the Delhi government, which sought a reassessment of the Court’s 2018 directive banning such vehicles in the National Capital Region (NCR) as part of efforts to curb air pollution.

In its plea, the Delhi government argued that the 2018 ban was implemented without the backing of a comprehensive scientific study or environmental impact assessment. Officials pointed out that since then, pollution control measures have been significantly strengthened, including the mandatory adoption of Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission standards in 2020 and expanded coverage of Pollution-Under-Control (PUC) certifications.

The government maintained that BS-VI compliant vehicles are far less polluting and that the continuation of the 2018 rule could unnecessarily remove roadworthy and low-emission vehicles from circulation. It further highlighted the increased availability of cleaner fuels and the push for electric vehicles in recent years.

The plea also stressed that many affected vehicles are driven infrequently, contribute minimally to pollution, and that the blanket ban has caused practical difficulties for owners. Additionally, it has negatively impacted the second-hand car market, which serves as an affordable option for lower-income households.

The Solicitor General, representing the government, emphasised the disparity between vehicles based on usage rather than age, noting that mileage and condition vary widely. The Court, after hearing these arguments, directed authorities to refrain from seizing or penalising vehicles solely based on the age limits set by the 2018 ruling.

The case will be taken up again in a month for further consideration.

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