Should Old Cars Really Be Off The Road? Supreme Court To Reconsider Delhi’s Fuel Ban | Auto News
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The debate reignites as Delhi challenges the 10- and 15-year fuel ban on older vehicles, calling for science over age in pollution control.
The Delhi government has challenged this blanket rule, saying it’s not based on science.
(Representational pic/News18)
The Supreme Court of India is set to hear a critical plea today concerning the existing ban on older internal combustion vehicles in the National Capital Region (NCR).
At the core of the case is a challenge by the Delhi government against the decade-old policy prohibiting diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles over 15 years.
The petition raises a key concern: should the end-of-life policy be determined by vehicle age alone, or should emission levels and technological compliance – particularly Bharat Stage VI standards – be the decisive factors?
Where Did This Ban Come From?
The rule traces back to a 2015 order from the National Green Tribunal (NGT). It said that old diesel and petrol vehicles should not be allowed to run, park, or refuel in public areas. The Supreme Court supported this decision in 2018 due to the severe air pollution in the region.
To tighten the rules, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) recently told fuel stations to stop supplying petrol and diesel to these “end-of-life” vehicles from 1st July 2025.
Why Did Delhi Press Pause?
The Delhi government rolled out the “No Fuel for Old Vehicles” policy on 1st July 2025. But just two days later, they put it on hold after public backlash. Many said the rules were too harsh and lacked proper planning.
As per Hindustan Times, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that age should not be the only factor. “Some old cars are barely used and pollute less. On the other hand, some new ones have been driven a lot and may pollute more,” he argued.
What Happens Next?
The Supreme Court will now decide whether vehicle bans should be based on how much they pollute rather than how old they are. The ruling could impact lakhs of vehicle owners and set the tone for future environmental policies across India.
Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: ‘Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.’ This motto c…Read More
Samreen Pall, Senior Sub-Editor at News18, is a Computer Science graduate but a writer at heart, Samreen has one motto that she swears by: ‘Everything is dull and useless if it has no drama in it.’ This motto c… Read More
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