Key highlights
- Supreme Court reinstates restrictions on BS3 and older vehicles across Delhi NCR
- Petrol and diesel vehicles that do not meet BS4 norms face renewed enforcement
- The move tightens the screws on ageing vehicles amid rising pollution concerns
The Supreme Court has once again put its foot down on vehicular pollution in the capital region. The ban on BS3 and older vehicles in Delhi NCR has been reinstated, bringing back restrictions that many residents had hoped were behind them. The order applies to vehicles that fail to meet BS4 emission norms, which includes a large chunk of ageing petrol and diesel cars still running on NCR roads.
AQI concerns
This decision follows continued concern over deteriorating air quality in Delhi and its surrounding regions. Despite multiple measures over the years, vehicular emissions remain a major contributor to pollution levels, especially during peak winter months. The court made it clear that public health cannot be negotiated every time enforcement becomes inconvenient.
In simple terms, petrol vehicles registered before April 2010 and diesel vehicles registered before April 2010 are once again under the scanner. These vehicles are now barred from operating in Delhi NCR, and enforcement agencies have been directed to act strictly. That includes fines, impounding, and in some cases, outright deregistration.
For many vehicle owners, this is not new news. Similar bans have come and gone depending on pollution levels, court directives, and policy tweaks. What makes this one sting is the sense of finality. The court has shown little patience for repeated extensions or relaxations. The message is blunt. Old vehicles have had a long run. Time is up.
The ruling also puts pressure back on state authorities to ensure proper implementation. Past bans often collapsed due to weak enforcement or lack of coordination between states in the NCR region. This time, the court has sought accountability and clarity, leaving less room for selective action.
That said, the ruling will hurt. Many BS3 vehicle owners are middle class families who maintained their cars well and relied on them daily. Scrappage incentives exist, but awareness and real world benefits remain patchy. Replacing a working vehicle is never easy, especially when inflation already has its foot on household budgets.
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