Delhi CM Urges SC To Reconsider Age-Based Vehicle Ban, Calls For Emission-Based Policy

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday (26 July) urged the Supreme Court to reconsider a ban on end of life vehicles in the national capital, asserting that emission levels, not age, should determine vehicle restrictions, reported Hindustan Times.

Gupta emphasised that vehicles meeting fitness norms and not causing pollution should be allowed to operate, regardless of age.

“If a vehicle is polluting, it should be off-roaded even within five years. But if a vehicle is not polluting and is fit, there should be no restrictions on it,” she stated during a public event.

Her appeal followed a petition filed by the Delhi government in the apex court, challenging the existing ban on end-of-life vehicles (ELVs).

The government argued that the age-based ban lacks scientific grounding and causes undue hardship to citizens.

Gupta criticised the inconsistency in applying vehicle laws across India and said, “The same laws (regarding vehicles) that are applicable throughout the country should be applicable in Delhi as well.”

In its plea, the government pointed to the implementation of BS-VI engines, enhanced PUC compliance, and expanded emissions testing as reasons to revisit the court’s 2018 directive.

It advocated for a policy that assesses each vehicle’s fitness based on real-time emission levels.

"The government has presented its stand before the court. I believe the court will take note of this and grant the people of Delhi their rightful entitlements,” she said.

The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Bhushan R Gavai, is expected to hear the matter on Monday (28 July).

The move comes weeks after public backlash forced the Delhi government to pause a directive denying fuel to ELVs under a CAQM order.

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