Delhi govt seeks reconsideration of Supreme Court's ban on old Diesel, Petrol Vehicles

The Delhi government has moved an application before the Supreme Court of India asking it to reconsider its 2018 end-of-life vehicle ban whereby the National Capital Region is required to phase out petrol vehicles that are over 15 years old and diesel vehicles that are over 10 years old.

It has been submitted that these age-based standards disregard advancements in vehicle emissions technology and current roadworthiness.

The Court has further been asked to direct the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to conduct a comprehensive scientific study on the actual environmental benefits of an age-based vehicle ban; feasibility and fairness of such a blanket restriction across vehicle categories and technologies; and whether such a policy of banning vehicles based on their age meaningfully contributes to improved air quality in NCR, as compared to targeted pollution emissions-based measures.

This application which has been filed under the MC Mehta vs. Union of India case will be heard on July 28 before a CJI BR Gavai led bench.

It has further been submitted that owners of well-maintained vehicles are unfairly burdened by the ban, which is imposed without taking maintenance, usage patterns, or PUC compliance into account.

As per the application, this approach does not align with the objective of reducing pollution and that middle class is particularly impacted by the directive.

Emphasises has been laid on many nations, like US, Japan, and EU countries which favour targeted pollution regulations and frequent testing systems over outright bans.