SC Halts Enforcement Against Old Vehicle Owners In Delhi, Orders 4-Week Review of Age-Based Ban

The Supreme Court on Tuesday temporarily suspended enforcement actions against owners of aged vehicles in Delhi, while agreeing to examine the state government's challenge to the existing prohibition on older cars and trucks.

A bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai directed authorities to issue notices regarding Delhi's petition for reconsidering the 2018 restrictions that bar diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles beyond 15 years from operating on roads. The court scheduled the matter for hearing after a four-week period.

During proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighted the disparity in vehicle usage patterns while arguing for the notice.

"What happens is I have a vehicle I use from home to the court and then back…it could be 2,000 km. So I have to sell that vehicle after 10 years. Some other vehicles used as a cab may run 2 lakh km in one year," Mehta was quoted as saying by News18.com.

Interim Protection Granted

The Supreme Court emphasised the need for comprehensive examination before taking action.

"Issue notice. Returnable in four weeks. In the meantime, no coercive steps to be taken on ground that they are 10 years (diesel) and 15 years old (petrol)," the bench was quoted as saying.

Delhi Govt. Challenges Scientific Basis of Age-Based Restrictions

The Delhi administration has approached the Supreme Court questioning the current policy framework, contending that the age-based prohibition disproportionately affects middle-class families without adequate scientific justification. Their petition also references recent developments in emissions control technology and criticism from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

Decade-Long Policy Dispute

The current restrictions originated from a 2015 National Green Tribunal (NGT) directive that prohibited aged diesel and petrol vehicles from operating, parking, or refuelling in public spaces. The Supreme Court endorsed this approach in 2018 as a response to severe air quality issues in the Delhi-NCR region.

Key Policy Questions Under Review

Central to the ongoing debate is whether vehicle lifecycle determinations should rely solely on age criteria or incorporate emission performance and technological compliance, particularly adherence to Bharat Stage VI standards.

Recent Policy Reversals

The CAQM had recently instructed fuel stations to cease serving these designated "end-of-life" vehicles beginning July 1. However, following significant public opposition, this directive was suspended within two days. Subsequently, the Delhi government modified its position, acknowledging that age alone should not determine vehicle operation eligibility.

What This Means For Vehicle Owners

The Supreme Court's interim order provides temporary relief for thousands of vehicle owners who faced potential enforcement action under the age-based restrictions. The upcoming review will determine whether Delhi's vehicle policy framework requires fundamental changes to balance environmental concerns with practical mobility needs.