Govt moves apex court against blanket ban on overage vehicles

The Delhi Government has moved the Supreme Court against the blanket ban on diesel and petrol vehicles older than 10 years and 15 years, respectively.

Instead of age-based restrictions, emission-based criteria should be followed to judge roadworthiness of vehicles, it said, seeking recall of the court’s October 29, 2018 order that upheld the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) directive on the issue.

Maintaining that a comprehensive policy was required to tackle pollution in Delhi-NCR, it said vehicle fitness based on actual emission levels of individual vehicles as per scientific methods should be followed rather than implementing a blanket ban based solely on age.

The plea seeks a comprehensive study by the Centre and the Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the adjoining area to assess the actual environmental benefits of age-based restrictions versus emission-based criteria.

A Bench, headed by Chief Justice BR Gavai, is likely to take up the Delhi Government’s plea on Monday seeking recall of its October 29, 2018 order.

Earlier, it had directed the Transport Departments of States in the NCR that all more than 10 years old diesel vehicles and all more than 15 years old petrol vehicles shall not ply as ordered by the NGT.

“All vehicles, diesel or petrol, which are more than 15 years old shall not be permitted to ply on the roads and wherever such vehicles of this age are noticed, the concerned authorities shall take appropriate steps in accordance with law, including seizure of the vehicles in accordance with the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act. The vehicles that are more than 15 years old will not be permitted to be parked in any public area and they shall be towed away and challenged by the police in accordance with the law. This direction would be applicable to all vehicles without exception whether commercial or otherwise,” the NGT said in its November 26, 2014, order.