The Supreme Court has directed the Central government to frame a policy within six months, to phase out heavy-duty diesel vehicles and replace them with BS VI vehicles.
The Bench of Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Pankaj Mithal ordered the Union of India to examine the recommendations made by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority, which was set up by the Apex Court to improve the air quality of Delhi-NCR.
The Central government was further directed to explore the possibility of finding better sources, including CNG/Hybrid/Electric, for the use of heavyduty vehicles.
The Bench passed the order on an appeal filed by the Container Corporation of India against the directions issued by the National Green Tribunal regarding the pollution caused by heavy-duty diesel trailer trucks in and around Delhi.
A petition was filed in NGT by a former executive at the Central Warehousing Corporation regarding the same. The Tribunal had called for an action plan to divert such vehicles to depots in Dadri, Rewari, Ballabhgarh, or Khatuawas.
While issuing notice on the petition, the Apex Court directed in April 2019 that no coercive action be taken against depot operators and vehicle owners.
On March 22, 2022, the
The Supreme Court on Tuesday gave a go-ahead to the registration of light and heavy diesel BS-6 vehicles, used for both public utilities and essential services.
A Bench, headed by Justice L. Nageswara Rao and also comprising Justice B.R. Gavai, passed the order after Amicus Curiae and Senior Advocate A.D.N. Rao submitted that BS-6 light and heavy diesel vehicles are used for public utility and essential services, and they may be allowed for registration.
The Court directed the authorities concerned that they should not seek court orders for the purpose of registration of these vehicles.
The Apex Court also dealt with a plea seeking relaxation for sale of BS-6 vehicles in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, on account of the curfew and internet suspension imposed in 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370.
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The Court asked the applicant to approach the Jammu and Kashmir High Court for relief.
The Bench was hearing various pleas, including a PIL filed by Environmentalist M.C. Mehta, seeking permission for registration of BS-6 diesel vehicles.