The Supreme Court urged the government to phase out luxury petrol and diesel vehicles, promoting wider adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Justice Surya Kant said banning high-end cars first “will not affect the common man.”
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Thursday strongly supported the wider use of electric vehicles (EVs) across the country and suggested that high-end luxury cars running on petrol and diesel should be phased out gradually.
The Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, represented by advocate Prashant Bhushan. The petition seeks proper implementation of government policies meant to encourage people to buy and use electric vehicles.
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During the hearing, the Supreme Court observed that since many bigger and more advanced electric cars are now available in the market, vehicles with Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) of similar size could be banned in a gradual manner. Justice Surya Kant shared his view saying,
“One idea based on some experiences dealing with cases … now in electric vehicles also, there are very good bigger cars introduced in the market; which can be as convenient as the other gas guzzlers which many VIPs and big companies are using. I am not naming anyone because I don’t want to cause any prejudice. Just think of imposing a ban on the very high end vehicles first of all. So it will not affect the common man. Because very small part of the Indian population can afford that.”
Justice Kant emphasized that the initial phase-out could begin with expensive luxury vehicles, so that ordinary citizens would not be affected. The Bench observed that this approach would target only a small segment of the population that can afford such vehicles.
Responding to the Court’s suggestion, Attorney General (AG) R. Venkataramani, who appeared for the government, said that the administration might support such an idea.
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“The government is allied to that,”
he stated, adding that
“13 ministries are involved in the matter pertaining to promotion of EVs.”
Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner, pointed out that the cost of electric vehicles was initially high, and the government had to give incentives to encourage their adoption. However, he said that now the main problem is the lack of enough charging points across the country.
The Court responded that once the number of EVs on the road increases, charging stations will also start growing in number naturally. Justice Kant remarked,
“These are market forces related issues. If (more) electric vehicles are introduced, charging stations will also be there. Existing petrol stations can be provided.”
Agreeing with the observation, AG Venkataramani acknowledged that more attention is required on the implementation side.
He told the Court,
“I had many meetings with them [authorities]. On implementation level, it needs a lot of attention,”
Justice Kant then stated that the government’s existing policies on electric vehicles may need to be reviewed and updated, since a lot has changed over the past few years.
He said,
“It has been 5 years. The policy may have to be revisited,”
In response, AG Venkataramani assured the Bench that a comprehensive report would soon be submitted, covering all notifications and measures taken so far to promote electric vehicles in India.
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The Court recorded this submission and directed the matter to be heard again after four weeks. The order stated:
“Ld. AG informs that there are 13 ministries who are actively participating in the project for promotion and adoption of electric vehicles. Post the matter after 4 weeks.”
Through this discussion, the Supreme Court highlighted the urgent need to move away from high-end petrol and diesel cars and push for cleaner, electric alternatives.
The Bench’s remarks signal a strong judicial encouragement toward greener transport policies, aligning with India’s long-term goal of reducing pollution and dependency on fossil fuels.
Case Title:
CENTRE FOR PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION AND ORS. UNION OF INDIA AND ANR.
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