Supreme Authority Court Challenged by Delhi Government Over Broad Vehicle Age Restriction Ban
In the bustling metropolis of Delhi-NCR, a significant shift in the ongoing battle against air pollution is underway. The Supreme Court is currently re-examining its 2018 order regarding the age-based vehicle ban, with a focus on adopting a more scientific, emissions-based approach [1][3].
The court's review comes in response to a plea by the Delhi government, which argues that the current ban is arbitrary and outdated. The government has proposed a comprehensive, data-driven vehicle fitness policy, replacing the blanket age-based ban with one that evaluates pollution contributions based on individual vehicle emissions [1][3].
This proposed policy aligns with practices in developed nations like the EU, Japan, and the US, which rely on emission-based evaluations for vehicle regulation rather than rigid age limits [3]. The Delhi government emphasizes that such an approach would protect the environment without causing undue hardship to responsible vehicle owners [1][3].
The current legal challenge against the age-based vehicle ban has temporarily halted coercive actions, such as seizure or fuel denial, against petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years [2]. The Supreme Court is yet to make a final decision on this matter.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has expressed her support for this shift, challenging the directive of the age-based ban and stating that it is her duty to present the public view before the court [4]. She has also criticized previous Delhi governments for their failure to control pollution, leading to the implementation of restrictions like the vehicle ban [6].
The NGT's order, issued in response to concerns about pollution in Delhi-NCR, applies to all vehicles without exception, including two wheelers, three wheelers, four wheelers, light vehicles, and heavy vehicles [7]. The order includes provisions for seizure of vehicles in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Act, and states that vehicles more than 15 years old will not be permitted to ply on the roads or be parked in any public area [5][7].
However, many well-maintained and non-polluting vehicles older than 15 years have been banned from plying in Delhi-NCR due to the NGT's directive [2]. Rekha Gupta has expressed hope that the court will take cognisance of her government's stand against the age-based vehicle ban and allow vehicles that pass the fitness test and don't cause pollution to ply in Delhi without age cap [4].
It is important to note that this article does not provide new insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, or cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. The focus here is solely on the ongoing legal challenge and the potential shift in approach to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
[1] The Indian Express: "Delhi govt challenges age-based vehicle ban in SC, seeks scientific, data-driven policy" [2] Hindustan Times: "Many well-maintained vehicles older than 15 years banned in Delhi-NCR due to NGT's directive" [3] Livemint: "Delhi govt proposes replacing age-based ban with emissions-based vehicle fitness policy" [4] NDTV: "Delhi CM Rekha Gupta challenges age-based vehicle ban in SC, says govt should present public view" [5] Times of India: "NGT's directive: Vehicles more than 15 years old not to ply on roads, park in public areas" [6] The Hindu: "Rekha Gupta criticizes Delhi govt's failure to control pollution" [7] Business Standard: "NGT order: No exception for commercial or non-commercial vehicles in vehicle ban"
- The Delhi government, in collaboration with the Supreme Court, is advocating for a shift from an age-based vehicle ban to an environmental-science-based vehicle fitness policy, which evaluates pollution contributions based on individual vehicle emissions, aligning with practices in developed nations like the EU, Japan, and the US.
- The proposed policy and legal challenge against the age-based vehicle ban, as reported by The Indian Express, Livemint, and NDTV, has temporarily halted coercive actions against certain petrol and diesel vehicles, with the Supreme Court yet to make a final decision on this matter.
- In response to the ongoing legal challenge, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has expressed her support for adopting a more scientific approach to air pollution regulation, challenging the directive of the age-based ban, and emphasizing the importance of protecting the environment without causing undue hardship to responsible vehicle owners.
