New Delhi: The Supreme Court has ordered an immediate halt to Delhi-NCR’s ongoing drive to impound diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years, a practice enforced since 2014-15 under National Green Tribunal (NGT) directions.
Welcoming the decision, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the directive is “a big relief for the people of Delhi,” crediting Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for leading the legal effort. “While committed to improving Delhi’s air quality, we will also safeguard citizens’ rights. This decision will help save people’s vehicles while continuing our fight for a cleaner environment,” Sirsa said.
The Delhi government had argued before the apex court that a vehicle’s ‘end of life’ should be determined by its pollution levels and mileage, rather than age alone. Chief Minister Gupta said the court’s acceptance of this argument means “no immediate punitive action will be taken” against owners of such vehicles in the NCR.
“We sought a review so that only vehicles that actually cause pollution are targeted. This decision ensures a balance between environmental protection and public convenience,” Gupta added.
Transport department officials confirmed all impounding drives have been suspended, though voluntary scrapping remains an option for owners.
