Chief Justice B.R. Gavai’s bench temporarily suspended the Supreme Court’s 2018 ban on older vehicles in Delhi-NCR, noting rising concerns about the practical difficulties and commuter hardships the age-based restrictions have created
The Supreme Court on Tuesday (August 12) granted temporary relief to owners of older vehicles in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), directing that no coercive measures be taken against those operating petrol cars over 15 years old and diesel vehicles older than 10 years.
A bench headed by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai issued the interim order, effectively putting on hold the apex court’s own 2018 directive that prohibited the use of such vehicles in the region. The ruling comes amid growing concerns about the practical difficulties the ban has caused for commuters.
Arguments and concerns raised
Representing the Delhi government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati argued that the existing restriction applied unevenly, allowing certain vehicles to be used for commercial purposes even after crossing the age limit, while private owners faced seizure. Mehta urged the court to suspend the earlier ban to prevent harassment of vehicle owners.
Bhati told the court that, although the ban was well-intentioned, it had caused significant inconvenience over the past seven years. She pointed to advancements in emissions technology, wider coverage of Pollution Under Control (PUC) testing, adoption of Bharat Stage VI engines, and stricter monitoring standards, which she said had addressed many of the pollution concerns that led to the ban.
An example cited in court involved a senior citizen who would be forced to sell his vehicle for scrap value, making it impossible for him to afford a replacement.
Call for a scientific review
The Delhi government urged the court to instruct the Union government or the Commission on Air Quality Management to conduct a scientific, broad-based study to determine whether a complete ban was still necessary.
Bhati emphasised that road-worthiness and environmental impact should be assessed based on actual emission levels, as prescribed under the Motor Vehicles Act and Central Motor Vehicles Rules, rather than solely on the age of a vehicle.
The court’s order provides temporary relief to vehicle owners while the matter undergoes further examination, potentially paving the way for a more balanced approach that protects both the environment and the rights of responsible motorists.
