SC to hear plea against ban of diesel vehicles today

The automobile manufacturers, who had moved the Supreme Court seeking modification of the court’s December order banning registration of diesel vehicles in the capital, did not get any immediate relief.

The automobile giants are aggrieved by one of the directions of the apex court which said that diesel-run sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and high-end private cars with engine capacity of 2000 CC and above will not be registered in Delhi and National Capital Region till March 31, 2016. Ltd and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd approached the court.

In a series of measures, the top court also asked the Centre to replace all government vehicles running on diesel, which are older than five years. It’s used by the rich only. The manufacturers cited an independent analysis report, claiming that a majority of traffic comprised two- and three-wheelers (55 lakh, according to data submitted) and that emissions from these vehicles were more harmful to the environment than diesel-powered four-wheelers. The Supreme Court heard their plea on Tuesday, and chose to extend the ban on registration of diesel vehicles.

The SC had, however, exempted new commercial light duty diesel vehicles saying that they can continue being registered in Delhi on account of the public’s dependence on such vehicles for the supply of essential items.

It was also expected to rule on a separate green tax on all diesel cars in the city, but has yet to announce its decision on that levy. The NGT also directed that vehicles older than 10 years should be phased out completely. “How can the government be a polluter?” the judges asked.

On December 16, 2015 the Supreme Court had banned the transit entry of trucks and commercial vehicles into Delhi at two entry points – via NH 1 and NH 8 – that is from Karnal Road and the Jaipur-Delhi highway.