Supreme Court Stays Coercive Action Against Owners of Older Vehicles in Delhi-NCR
In a major relief to millions of vehicle owners, the Supreme Court has ordered authorities not to take coercive action against those plying diesel vehicles over 10 years old or petrol vehicles over 15 years old in the Delhi-NCR region. The court issued the interim directive while hearing a plea from the Delhi government seeking to recall a 2018 order that enforced a blanket ban based on vehicle age. The plea argues for a more scientific, emission-based criteria for vehicle fitness.
Unpacked:
The blanket ban originated from a 2015 National Green Tribunal (NGT) order that mandated diesel vehicles over 10 years and petrol vehicles over 15 years be deregistered or scrapped, citing their contribution to air pollution. The Supreme Court upheld this directive in 2018, tasking the Delhi government with enforcement.
The Delhi government argues that banning vehicles solely based on age is unfair and inconsistent with the Motor Vehicles Act. They propose a scientific, emission-based criteria for vehicle fitness, as age alone does not necessarily reflect a vehicle’s pollution levels or roadworthiness.
Vehicle owners have expressed strong opposition, particularly to the "no fuel for old vehicles" policy. Public backlash led to the policy’s quick suspension, with many arguing that a car's fitness, not age, should determine its eligibility to operate. Over 60 lakh overage vehicles were registered as of March 2025.
The ban will now come into force from November 1, 2025, in Delhi and five high vehicle density districts: Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, and Sonipat. In the rest of the NCR, it will start from April 1, 2026.