Old diesel and petrol vehicles have been banned to control increasing air pollution in Delhi and NCR. But now the Supreme Court has ordered not to take any strict action against the owners of these vehicles on the petition of the Delhi government. The court said that the next hearing of the case will be four weeks later.
The main argument of Delhi government’s petition
The Delhi government has demanded a review of its order in 2018, in which diesel more than 10 years old and more than 15 years old petrol vehicles were banned. The government argues that vehicle technology has improved, especially since the implementation of BS VI standards, causing less pollution. So now the entire ban on age basis is “scientific and technically correct”.
Government arguments and disputes
The government said that some vehicles like private use vehicles cover short distances and are in good condition, while commercial vehicles, such as taxi, can remain in the right position despite running too much. In such a situation, it is unfair to ban only on age basis. In addition, BS IV and BS VI vehicles with good conditions that have legitimate pollution control certificates spread very little pollution.
Other causes of pollution and demand for scientific studies
The Delhi government said that there are many reasons for Delhi’s air deterioration – burning stubble, industrial pollution, dust from construction works, weather conditions etc. It is not enough to ban vehicles only. The government has urged the Supreme Court to conduct scientific studies from the Center or Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) so that the actual environmental benefits of aging-based ban are known.
Environment Minister’s comment
Environment Minister Majinder Singh Sirsa said, “We need data-based policy, not completely banned. It is necessary to fight pollution, but that too should be in the right and scientific way.”
Previous order and recent position
The ban was first imposed under the order of the National Green Tribunal in 2015, with 10 years for diesel vehicles and 15 years for petrol vehicles. The Supreme Court confirmed this order in 2018. Recently, CAQM had proposed to stop fuel supply to these vehicles from July 2025, but it was postponed till November due to public opposition and systemic challenges.