The ban on diesel cars older than 10 years and petrol cars older than 15 years has been a topic of debate for a few years now
The Supreme Court of India has given significant relief to 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol car owners in Delhi NCR. The court order offers protection from coercive action for the owners of these cars. In the last few years, there have been multiple policies and orders regarding banning such vehicles to control air pollution. On top of that, a few weeks ago, there was another policy, which put a fuel ban to old cars. However, due to a huge public backlash, it was taken back. For now, let us delve into the details of this case here.
SC Relief for 10-year-old Diesel Car Owners in Delhi NCR
This latest interim order was passed by a bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Delhi government, sought relief. The bench stated, “Issue notice, returnable in four weeks. In the meantime, we direct that no coercive steps be taken against the owners on the ground that vehicles are 10 years old in respect of diesel vehicles and 15 years old in respect of petrol vehicles.”
Note that back in 2018, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered banning diesel cars older than 10 years and petrol cars older than 15 years. If these regulations were not followed, it even directed appropriate action, including seizure of the vehicles under the Motor Vehicle Act. The aim was to keep a check on the rising air pollution levels in Delhi NCR. However, the Delhi Government has claimed that since 2018, the stricter emission norms and wider pollution testing have been implemented, which leaves the ban unnecessary.
Finally, a scientific study has been requested under this petition by the Union Government and the Commission for Air Quality Management to ascertain whether the age-based ban on cars has an actual environmental impact. I believe that simply judging the pollution levels of any car based on its age is completely inaccurate. Depending on the usage, many cars can emit high pollution early on, or remain under the limits even after 20 years. Therefore, the public outrage is completely justified. Let us see what permanent solution we will accomplish going forward.
Also Read: Delhi Government Forced to Put ‘End of Life’ Car Ban on Hold
