New Delhi: The Delhi government is preparing to challenge the current ban on overage vehicles in the city, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta directing key departments to re-evaluate existing guidelines and enforcement mechanisms. The move comes ahead of a proposed review petition to the Supreme Court, seeking reconsideration of its earlier directives on end-of-life vehicles.
According to officials, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has asked the transport, environment, and law departments to conduct a comprehensive review of policies related to vehicles that exceed the age limit currently enforced in the capital.
Govt to Seek Uniform Policy on Overage Vehicles
The initiative aims to challenge the 2018 Supreme Court ruling, which bans diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years from operating or being parked in public places in Delhi. Additionally, a 2014 National Green Tribunal (NGT) order prohibits the parking of such vehicles in public areas.
The Delhi government intends to urge the court to allow uniform guidelines on old vehicles across India, arguing that the current rules unfairly penalize Delhi residents while similar vehicles remain roadworthy and legal in other states.
Review in Progress: Environment Minister
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed that concerned departments are currently studying the legal framework surrounding the issue.
“Once the study is completed and a report is submitted, the government will decide on the next steps, including whether to proceed with a petition in the Supreme Court,” Sirsa said.
L-G, CAQM Raise Practical Concerns
Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has also raised concerns over the ban, calling it impractical. In a letter to CM Gupta, he questioned the rationale behind deeming a 10-year-old diesel vehicle unfit for use in Delhi while it remains roadworthy elsewhere under the same national laws. He recommended the government file a review petition, citing recent initiatives taken by the city and the changing ground realities.
Minister Sirsa had earlier written to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), arguing that the current vehicle age restrictions are technologically unfeasible to enforce on a wide scale and need to be reconsidered.
What’s Next?
The Delhi government is expected to finalize its decision on approaching the Supreme Court after reviewing the legal and technical reports. The review petition, if filed, could open a wider debate on the uniformity and practicality of vehicle age-related environmental laws across India.