The Supreme Court has modified its earlier relief on end-of-life vehicles in Delhi, allowing authorities to take action against older vehicles that do not meet BS-IV or BS-VI emission norms. This means diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years with pre-BS-IV engines can now face enforcement measures.

Earlier, in its August 12 order, the apex court had directed that no coercive action be taken against such vehicles, providing temporary relief to lakhs of vehicle owners in the capital. However, considering the worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR, the court has now limited this relief only to vehicles that comply with BS-IV or BS-VI standards.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi passed the order on an application filed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The court clarified that petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years will be allowed to operate only if they meet BS-IV or BS-VI norms.

This decision is expected to impact a massive number of vehicles in Delhi-NCR. As per official data, India has over 1.47 million BS-I vehicles, around 3.87 million BS-II vehicles, and nearly 5.37 million BS-III vehicles across categories such as cars, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, buses, and freight vehicles. Most petrol vehicles over 15 years old and diesel vehicles over 10 years old fall under the BS-III category.

CAQM told the court that BS-III and older vehicles are major contributors to air pollution. Data submitted showed that such vehicles emit 2.5 to 31 times more particulate matter, 6.25 to 12 times more nitrogen oxides, and up to 5.4 times more carbon monoxide compared to newer vehicles. Of the 28.8 million vehicles on Delhi-NCR roads, nearly 37 percent are running on BS-III or older engines.

Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, appearing as amicus curiae in the air pollution matter, pointed out that BS-IV norms were introduced in 2010, and vehicles manufactured before that period are significantly more polluting.

Reacting to the order, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that vehicles below BS-VI standards are already restricted from entering Delhi and that fuel is being provided only on the basis of valid pollution certificates. He added that BS-IV diesel vehicles registered in Delhi will not be stopped and that the Supreme Court’s order will be examined in detail.