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Synopsis

The National Green Tribunal recently dismissed an application filed by Special Protection Group (SPG) seeking a five-year extension of registration period of Specialized Armoured Vehicles needed for the specific purpose of security of the Prime Minister.

An original application in this regard was filed by SPG which is a part of Cabinet Secretariat of Union of India and is an Armed Force of Union of India to provide proximate security to the Prime Minister of India and members of his immediate family.

SPG sought a direction to Transport Department, NCT of Delhi /Registering Authority to extend registration till 23 December, 2029 saying that these vehicles were essential and integral part of Special Protection Group technical logistics.

The NGT's bench comprising Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr. A Senthil Val was told that these vehicles are very special in nature/design and in technical /tactical specifications and they are not easily available in market to meet the requirement.

Notably, SPG had also approached Special Commissioner (Ops), Govt. of NCT of Delhi, Transport Department for extension which was refused.

While refusing the extension, NGT has relied on the Supreme Court's decision in MC Mehta vs. Union of India & Ors. whereby it had restricted the use of diesel vehicles to only upto 10 years.

"We are conscious of the fact that these three vehicles are special purpose vehicles which are not normally available and these vehicles have run very less in the last ten years and are needed for the specific purpose of security of the Prime Minister but in view of the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 29.10.2018 (Supra), the prayer made in the M.A. cannot be granted", the Principal Bench of the Tribunal has said.

Case Title: Vardhaman Kaushik vs. Union of India & Ors.