There’s still hope: Delhi’s old vehicle ban to be reviewed by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court will hear a pivotal plea on July 28 that could overturn Delhi’s controversial ban on older vehicles, offering hope to old vehicle owners facing unfair and non-scientific, end-of-life restrictions.
Supreme Court will review the ban on old vehicle ban in Delhi on July 28. (Photo: PTI)
In a major development that could reshape how Delhi balances clean-air mandates with evolving vehicle technology, the Supreme Court will hear a crucial plea on July 28 regarding the absurd ban on older petrol and diesel vehicles in the Delhi-NCR region. The hearing comes in light of a petition filed by the Delhi government seeking a review of the court’s 2018 order enforcing end-of-life restrictions, particularly on Bharat Stage VI (BS VI)-compliant vehicles.
The matter will be heard by a bench led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, and is expected to explore whether the existing rules, originally designed for older, more so-called polluting vehicles, are still justified in an era of advanced emission norms.
A ban rooted in air quality emergency
The ban traces back to a 2015 order by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which prohibited diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years from operating in Delhi-NCR. The Supreme Court upheld this directive in 2018, citing public health and environmental protection. Recently, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) sought to enforce a related measure by halting fuel supply to these ‘end-of-life’ vehicles from July 1, an order that has now been deferred to November due to public backlash and logistical hurdles.
The petition: Science over age
In its application, the Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government argues that the blanket age-based restriction is “no longer scientifically or technically justified” in light of significant advancements in vehicle emissions technology, especially with the implementation of BS-VI norms in April 2020. These vehicles emit up to 80% less particulate matter and 70% less nitrogen oxides than BS IV models.
Calling the ban “disproportionate and impractical,” the government emphasises that many well-maintained BS-IV and BS-VI vehicles with up-to-date Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and limited usage patterns contribute negligibly to overall pollution. The petition stresses that roadworthiness and emissions should be evaluated scientifically, through regular testing mechanisms under the Motor Vehicles Act and Central Motor Vehicles Rules, rather than being dictated by arbitrary age thresholds.
Impact on the public
The Delhi government warns that the current ban disproportionately affects middle- and lower-income groups who rely on used vehicles for essential mobility. For many, these vehicles remain roadworthy and compliant with emissions standards, yet face de-registration and denied access to fuel purely due to age.
Environment Minister Majinder Singh Sirsa underlined the government’s position, stating, “We need data-backed policy, not blanket bans. Pollution needs to be tackled, yes, but in a way that is fair and scientifically accurate.”
Call for a scientific review
The Delhi government has urged the Supreme Court to direct either the Centre or the CAQM to conduct a comprehensive scientific study to assess the actual environmental benefits of the age-based ban. The petition also highlights that vehicular emissions are only one of many contributors to Delhi’s hazardous air quality, alongside stubble burning, industrial pollution, construction dust, and unfavourable weather patterns.
What lies ahead?
If the Supreme Court acknowledges the merits of this review plea, it could pave the way for a landmark shift from age-based scrappage policies to more nuanced, emission-centric regulations. Such a move would not only protect cleaner vehicles from premature “death” but also bring India closer to adopting international best practices in pollution control and sustainable mobility.
