Published on: August 12, 2025 at 19:00
In a major development for lakhs of Delhi-NCR motorists, the Supreme Court has temporarily stopped authorities from taking coercive action against diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. But is this relief permanent — or just the calm before the storm?
What Exactly Has the Supreme Court Ordered?
The Supreme Court’s latest order brings immediate relief to owners of so-called end-of-life vehicles in Delhi-NCR. The Court has barred any coercive action for the next four weeks — meaning no fines, impounding, or restrictions on fuel refills for:
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Diesel vehicles older than 10 years
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Petrol vehicles older than 15 years
This comes after the Delhi government urged the apex court to review its 2018 blanket ban, which automatically restricted the use of vehicles based solely on age, regardless of their maintenance or emission levels.
Why it matters: This pause gives breathing room to thousands of middle-class families who rely on older, well-maintained cars for daily commuting.
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Why the Delhi Government Wants the Rule Changed
The Delhi government’s argument is straightforward — pollution control should be science-based, not age-based. Officials say a blanket ban is unfair because:
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Some older vehicles meet emission standards and are roadworthy.
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Modern BS-VI vehicles pollute far less than older BS-II or BS-III models.
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Age-based bans hurt middle and lower-income families the most.
Instead, the government has proposed a fitness and emissions test-based policy. Under this system, a vehicle would only be banned if it fails emission norms, regardless of how old it is.
This plea is part of a broader debate — how to balance air quality improvement with practical transport needs in one of the world’s most polluted cities.
What This Means for You — and What’s Next
For now, owners of older vehicles in Delhi-NCR can breathe easy — literally and financially. However:
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This is only an interim order.
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The Supreme Court will review the matter in detail in the coming weeks.
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Depending on the verdict, Delhi could either return to the age-based ban or adopt a new emissions-based policy.
If the Court sides with the Delhi government, this could set a national precedent — pushing other states toward more nuanced and fair vehicle policies.