SC stays action against Volkswagen in dieselgate

New Delhi: In a relief to Volkswagen, the Supreme Court on Monday restrained the Centre from taking any “coercive” step against it for non-submission of Rs 500-crore fine imposed by the NGT for damaging environment through use of “cheat device” in its diesel cars in India. The court order came on the eve of the deadline set by the NGT for  Volkswagen India Private Limited, Indian subsidiary of German auto major, to deposit the fine with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). “Issue notice. In the meantime, no coercive steps shall be taken against the appellant viz., Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd.,” a Bench of justices SA Bobde and S Abdul Nazeer, said.  The Bench was hearing separate appeals filed by the auto major and the Inter Continental Association of Lawyers against the March 7 order of the NGT imposing the Rs 500-crore fine. PTI