Delhi: Ban on diesel cars over 2,000cc upheld by SC

As an after effect of the Supreme Court of India's order to ban diesel vehicles with an engine capacity larger than 2,000cc for 3 months in Delhi, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota moved the court to protect their businesses.

The Supreme Court upheld its ruling to ban the sale of diesel cars in Delhi till March 31, 2016. The court has agreed to hear pleas filed by the carmakers and has asked them to provide documentary evidence which shows a comparison between the levels of pollution caused by their diesel vehicles and petrol vehicles.

The petitioners claim that their vehicles contribute less than 0.2% of the total pollution in the region.

The court has also banned the entry of heavy commercial vehicles (not bound for Delhi) from NH 2, 10, 58 and state highway 57. Earlier, trucks not bound for Delhi were restricted entry through NH 1 and 8. Those CVs that are Delhi-bound will be allowed to enter the city after being charged a pollution cess.

The Delhi government has been directed by the court to appropriately issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for 10-year old diesel and 16-year old petrol vehicles to be sold outside the NCR.

Additionally, the Centre has been asked to replace all government diesel vehicles which are over five years old.

Source: The Times of India