Delhi Bans 10-Year Old Diesel, 15-Year Old Petrol Vehicles
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Supreme Court partially Lifts Ban on older Vehicles in Delhi Amid pollution Concerns
What Happened
The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday,November 29,2023,clarified that authorities in Delhi can take action against diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years if they do not meet BS-IV (Bharat Stage IV) emission standards. This modifies a previous order issued on August 12, 2023, which had broadly prohibited coercive action against older vehicles in the National Capital Region (NCR). The court specified that the protection from action applies only to vehicles meeting BS-IV and newer emission standards, regardless of their age.
the decision came in response to a request from the Delhi government, citing the continued deterioration of air quality in the city. Currently, Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is in effect across the NCR.
Why It matters: Delhi’s Air Quality Crisis
Delhi consistently faces severe air pollution, notably during the winter months. The primary contributors to this pollution include vehicle emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, and stubble burning in neighboring states. Older vehicles, especially those adhering to BS-III or earlier emission standards, contribute disproportionately to harmful pollutants.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi has frequently reached “very poor” and “severe” levels, posing meaningful health risks to residents, including respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and reduced life expectancy. The Supreme Court’s intervention reflects the urgency of addressing this public health crisis.
The Legal Background and Timeline
Here’s a timeline of key events leading to the current ruling:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 12, 2023 | Supreme Court initially bars coercive action against older vehicles in NCR. |
| November 2023 | Delhi’s air quality deteriorates, triggering Stage-IV of GRAP. |
| November 29, 2023 | delhi government requests modification of the August 12 order. |
| November 29,2023 | supreme Court clarifies that action can be taken against vehicles not meeting BS-IV standards,regardless of age. |
The initial August 12 order aimed to prevent undue hardship to vehicle owners. However,the Delhi government argued that the blanket protection was exacerbating the pollution problem.
Key Arguments and court Proceedings
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Delhi government, argued that older vehicles, particularly those with BS-III or earlier emission standards, substantially contribute to air pollution.She requested the court to allow action against these vehicles.
Aparajita Singh, the amicus curiae (friend of the court) in the air pollution matter, supported the government’s position, explaining that BS-IV emission standards were introduced in 2010, making BS-III models older and more