Delhi government moves SC over old vehicles ban order

The hearing on this petition is likely to be held on July 28. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Bhushan R. Gavai will hear the case. The Delhi government says that removing vehicles only on the basis of age is not a scientific way to control pollution.

New Delhi: The Delhi government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the complete ban imposed on old vehicles. The government has appealed to the court to remove the ban imposed on diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. These restrictions are based on the instructions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which were upheld by the Supreme Court on 29 October 2018.

Hearing on July 28

The hearing on this petition is likely to be held on July 28. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Bhushan R. Gavai will hear the case. The Delhi government says that removing vehicles only on the basis of age is not a scientific way to control pollution.

Fitness should be decided on the basis of actual pollution

The Delhi government's petition states that not the age of the vehicle, but its actual pollution level should be the basis for its fitness. Scientific investigation and standards are needed for this. The government wants the Central Government and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to conduct a detailed study to find out whether age-based ban is more effective or pollution level-based policy.

NGT's strict instructions and Supreme Court's approval

It is worth noting that NGT had clearly stated in its order dated 26 November 2014 that petrol or diesel vehicles older than 15 years cannot run on the roads. Not only this, such vehicles cannot be parked at public places. If any type of old vehicle is seen, then instructions were given to seize it and take action under the Motor Vehicles Act.

The rule is applicable to all types of vehicles
This ban is applicable to all two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, light and heavy vehicles, whether they are private or commercial. The court had made it clear that no exemption will be given in this.

Not just vehicles, there are many reasons behind pollution
The BJP government has repeatedly stressed that the order of complete ban imposed on old vehicles in 2018 needs to be reconsidered. The government says that vehicles are not the only reason for air pollution. There are many other sources of it like burning of stubble, burning of wood or garbage, dust flying from road and construction, smoke from factories, weather and other seasonal factors. Also, the level of pollution also changes according to the season.

PUC rules strictly implemented
The Delhi government said that its transport department has implemented the Pollution Control Certificate (PUC) rules very strictly. As a result, 1,63,103 challans have been issued in the first seven months of this year. This number was only 29,589 in 2021, 43,494 in 2022, 36,176 in 2023 and 68,077 in 2024. This shows that the government is now being more strict in following the rules.

CNG and electric buses reduce vehicle pollution
The Delhi government also said that increasing the number of CNG and electric buses in the city and improving the infrastructure of the roads has also reduced vehicle pollution. This has also made the journey easier and has also had a good impact on the environment.