The Supreme Court has withdrawn the protection earlier granted to End of Life (EOL) vehicles in Delhi-NCR that follow poor emission standards of BS-III and below. This decision marks a significant shift in the court’s approach to controlling rising air pollution in the National Capital Region. The ruling directly affects vehicles that had been allowed to operate temporarily despite crossing age and emission limits.
Why Court Revisited Its Earlier Order
The decision came after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) submitted a fresh report to the court. In the report, CAQM recommended removing BS-III and older vehicles from the relief granted in August. The commission pointed out that pollution levels in Delhi remain dangerously high, and allowing outdated vehicles to operate was worsening the situation rather than improving it.
Modification of August 12 Protection
Earlier, on August 12, the Supreme Court had extended protection from coercive action to all EOL vehicles in Delhi and NCR. This included 10-year-old diesel vehicles and 15-year-old petrol vehicles. However, the court has now modified that order. The relief will no longer apply to vehicles that do not meet improved emission standards.
Key Clarification from Supreme Court
Chief Justice Surya Kant clarified that no coercive steps will be taken only against BS-IV and above vehicles. This clearly means that BS-III and older vehicles have lost their protection. Authorities are now free to take action against such vehicles for violating pollution control norms.
Role of CAQM in Decision
CAQM played a central role in pushing for the change. After the August relief, thousands of EOL vehicles returned to Delhi roads. The commission analysed their emission output and found that these vehicles release significantly more pollutants compared to BS-VI-compliant vehicles. Based on this data, CAQM urged the court to reconsider its earlier stance.
Link to Earlier Pollution Control Orders
The earlier protection had effectively paused the implementation of the Supreme Court’s October 2018 order. That order had upheld a 2014 National Green Tribunal ruling aimed at removing highly polluting vehicles from Delhi roads. The goal was to reduce air pollution by restricting vehicles with outdated emission standards.
What This Means for Drivers in Delhi
For people driving in Delhi-NCR, the latest order brings clarity. Vehicles operating under BS-III and older emission standards are no longer protected and are effectively excluded from relief. The ruling reinforces stricter enforcement and underlines the court’s commitment to improving air quality and protecting public health.
