Supreme Court Hearing Today: Will Delhi End the Ban on Older Diesel and Petrol Vehicles?

The Supreme Court will hear a major petition today filed by the Delhi government, which seeks to overturn the existing ban on older vehicles in the Delhi-NCR region. The current policy restricts diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years from operating on city roads.

The Delhi government has called this ban unfair and unscientific, stating it causes undue hardship for thousands of vehicle owners, particularly from the middle class.

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Delhi Government Seeks Review of 2018 Ruling

The petition urges the Supreme Court to reconsider its 2018 decision, which introduced the age-based ban as a step to reduce pollution. The Delhi government argues that vehicle age alone doesn't determine emissions, and many well-maintained or rarely-used vehicles are being unnecessarily penalized.

Proposal for Emission-Based Policy

Instead of a fixed-age ban, the government is calling for an emission-based rule that considers the actual pollution output of each vehicle. They argue that this approach would be more accurate, practical, and fair, especially for BS-VI compliant and low-use vehicles.

Demand for Scientific Air Quality Study

The petition also asks the court to direct the Central Government or the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to conduct a detailed scientific study. This would help measure the real-world impact of older vehicles on Delhi's air quality and support the need for a more nuanced policy.

Ban Disproportionately Affects Middle-Class Families

Highlighting the economic burden of the current ban, the Delhi government says lower- and middle-income citizens who depend on older vehicles for commuting or work are suffering the most. The policy, they say, does not account for well-maintained vehicles that may not significantly pollute.

BS-VI Norms Already Improve Emissions

Since India has already shifted to the BS-VI emission standard, the cleanest so far, the government believes many of the older vehicles affected by the ban are not as harmful as previously thought. Treating all old vehicles the same does not reflect the progress made in emission control.

What This Hearing Could Mean

The Supreme Court’s verdict could shape the future of vehicle regulation in India. A favourable decision may lead to policy changes that balance environmental concerns with citizens' mobility needs, focusing on pollution levels instead of just vehicle age.

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