Old Vehicles To Face Action In Delhi-NCR As SC Lifts Protection

In its submission, the CAQM said it had analysed the emissions generated by these older vehicles and found them significantly higher than those compliant with the current BS-VI norms.

The observation, reported by Bar and Bench, effectively withdrew protection for older vehicles with inferior emission standards.

Source : ANI

The Supreme Court on Wednesday withdrew protection from end-of-life vehicles in Delhi-NCR that fail to meet emission norms, allowing authorities to act against BS-III and older vehicles. The order was passed on the recommendation of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which sought a modification of the court’s August 12 directive that had extended protection from coercive action to all end-of-life vehicles in the region. With the latest ruling, only vehicles meeting prescribed emission standards will continue to enjoy relief, while older, more polluting vehicles are now liable to enforcement action.

Centre Seeks Modification Of August Order

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre during the hearing on Delhi’s pollution crisis, urged the Supreme Court to modify its August 12, 2025 order that had granted protection from coercive action to drivers of 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles in Delhi. Acting on the request, the court narrowed the scope of its earlier relief.

Chief Justice Justice Surya Kant said that paragraph two of the August 12 order stood modified, clarifying that no coercive steps would be taken only against BS-IV and newer vehicles. The observation, reported by Bar and Bench, effectively withdrew protection for older vehicles with inferior emission standards.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had flagged the deteriorating air quality in the Capital and pressed the court to revisit its earlier direction. It argued that the blanket protection had allowed highly polluting end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) back on Delhi’s roads, aggravating the pollution load.

The August order had stayed the implementation of an October 2018 Supreme Court ruling, which had upheld a 2014 National Green Tribunal judgment barring outdated and polluting vehicles, those with BS-III and lower emission standards, from operating in the city. That pause led to thousands of ELVs returning to circulation.

In its submission, the CAQM said it had analysed the emissions generated by these older vehicles and found them significantly higher than those compliant with the current BS-VI norms. The commission warned that continued operation of such vehicles posed a serious threat to public health, prompting the court to roll back its earlier protection.