Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) VK Saxena has called on Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to file a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging its 2018 order banning diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years in the national capital.
In a letter sent to Ms Gupta, the L-G argued that the blanket ban is unfair and impractical, pointing out that a 10-year-old diesel vehicle cannot be automatically deemed unfit simply due to its age if it remains roadworthy. He said he has received “innumerable representations, calls and messages” from citizens, elected officials, and environmental experts questioning the feasibility and equity of the restrictions.
Mr Saxena raised concerns about the significant socio-economic impact of the policy, especially on middle-class families who rely on older vehicles. He stressed that while combating air pollution is essential, the measures adopted must be “proportionate, non-arbitrary, and grounded in legal and environmental rationale.”
The Delhi government had enforced the ban from July 1 in compliance with the Supreme Court’s earlier directive and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)’s orders. However, on Thursday, it requested that the CAQM suspend the restrictions, citing technological limitations in implementing a complete fuel ban on older vehicles.
Mr Saxena also highlighted what he described as a fundamental flaw in assuming all older vehicles are major polluters, without considering their actual emissions or mechanical condition. He said the policy amounts to an arbitrary “blanket” restriction that penalises responsible owners who maintain their vehicles or have invested in low-emission models.
Further, he questioned whether the CAQM’s directives align with national laws, particularly the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, under which vehicle lifespan is determined by central regulations. He argued that imposing uniform age-based limits conflicts with these broader legal frameworks and the principles of equal treatment.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)