Supreme Court Declines Vehicle Star-Rating System for Air Pollution Control

The Supreme Court declined to entertain a writ petition seeking implementation of a star-rating system for vehicles to reduce air pollution across India. A bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran heard the petition filed by Dr. Sanjay Kulshesthra, who sought directions to introduce such a system to enable consumers to choose environmentally-friendly vehicles.

The petitioner stressed that a star-rating system would help reduce air pollution and related health impacts. In developed countries, such systems signal vehicle safety on a 1-5 scale. India follows the Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP), with an adapted version called Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP) remaining in draft form since July 2023.

Dr. Kulshesthra highlighted that the system exists in most developed nations but has remained pending in India for a decade. He presented data indicating that air pollution causes approximately 21 lakh deaths annually in India, with 60 per cent attributed to PM 2.5 emissions from vehicles. The petitioner also mentioned birth defects caused by pollution exposure.

The court decided against interfering in policy decisions, citing that the matter falls within the government's domain. However, the bench permitted the petitioner to approach the Union of India with a representation, which would be considered on its merits.

The petition (W.P.(C) No. 000834/2025) highlighted the prolonged delay in implementing vehicle safety and emission-based rating systems in India despite the framework being available and in use internationally.