Delhi Government Seeks Supreme Court Review on Vehicle Ban

The Delhi government is preparing to file a review petition in the Supreme Court regarding its 2018 directive that bans older petrol and diesel vehicles in the capital. This decision follows significant public opposition and operational challenges related to the policy’s implementation.

Officials confirmed on July 25, 2023, that both the Transport and Environment departments have been tasked with conducting an in-depth study to evaluate the effectiveness and implications of the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) guidelines. Their findings will inform whether the government approaches the Supreme Court for a review.

Concerns Rise Over Policy Impact

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa indicated that the departments are independently investigating how the vehicle age ban affects air quality, daily commuting, and economic factors for the public. This reconsideration comes shortly after a renewed enforcement drive aimed at petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years. This crackdown included a ban on fuel supply to non-compliant vehicles but faced backlash and operational complications.

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena expressed concerns in a letter to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, highlighting disparities in vehicle regulations across regions. He questioned how vehicles banned in Delhi could still operate in nearby cities, arguing it contradicts the principle of equal treatment. Saxena urged a review of the court’s directive and called for a consistent policy across the National Capital Region (NCR).

Analyzing Policy Effectiveness

Officials also noted that the review will assess the effectiveness of pollution-control measures implemented over the past five months. Minister Sirsa conveyed in a separate correspondence to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) that Delhi’s current infrastructure and public transport system are inadequate to support a blanket ban. The policy disproportionately impacts lower-income commuters and small vehicle operators, raising concerns about social equity.

The final reports from the concerned departments are expected to be completed within weeks. Following this, a Cabinet decision will determine whether the Delhi government will pursue judicial relief through a review petition in the Supreme Court.

As Delhi grapples with persistent pollution and the challenges of enforcing vehicle regulations, the outcome of this review could have broader implications for balancing environmental objectives with equitable urban transportation policies across India.