THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, July 26: The Delhi government has approached the Supreme Court challenging the prohibition on diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles over 15 years.
The plea argues that such an age-based ban is arbitrary and calls for a scientific, emission-based approach to tackle pollution in Delhi-NCR.
A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Bhushan R Gavai is expected to hear the petition on July 28. The Delhi government has urged the apex court to recall its October 29, 2018 order that upheld the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) directive enforcing the ban.
Also Read- Jharkhand News: Three JJMP Naxals killed in Gumla encounter
The petition stresses the need for a comprehensive policy where vehicle fitness is determined by actual emission levels through scientific assessment, rather than imposing blanket age restrictions.
It also urges that the Centre and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) conduct a detailed study comparing the environmental impact of age-based norms versus emission-based standards.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had instructed transport departments across the NCR to comply with the NGT’s mandate: all diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles beyond 15 years must be taken off the roads.
Also Read- Jharkhand News: Congress leader blames BCCL, police, CISF for Dhanbad mines mishap
The NGT’s order of November 26, 2014, had further clarified that any vehicle over 15 years old—regardless of fuel type, category, or purpose—cannot be allowed on public roads or even parked in public spaces.
Authorities were directed to seize such vehicles and take necessary legal action under the Motor Vehicles Act, applying the rule uniformly to two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, light and heavy vehicles alike.
