CM, Sirsa hail relief for Delhiites as SC order on old vehicles

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta welcomed the Supreme Court’s interim order halting coercive action against diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years old, calling it a “big relief” for lakhs of residents in the Capital.

The apex court’s directive came while hearing the Delhi Government’s plea to review its 2018 blanket ban on “end-of-life” (EOL) vehicles. The government has argued that the ban should be based on pollution levels and usage rather than age alone.

CM Gupta said the Supreme Court’s acceptance of the government’s petition ensured that, for now, no immediate punitive action would be taken against such vehicle owners in the NCR.

“Through a review petition, we had requested that vehicle evaluation be based not only on age but also on mileage and emission levels, so that only the vehicles that actually cause pollution are identified and acted upon. By actively participating in the judicial process, we will continue to firmly represent the interests of the people of Delhi. This decision strengthens our resolve to maintain a balance between environmental protection and public convenience as we move towards a developed Delhi,” she said.

Sirsa said, “The ‘end of life’ for a vehicle should be determined not by its age, but by the pollution it emits and the number of kilometres it has run. CM Gupta fought this battle on behalf of the people of Delhi.”