The vehicle scrappage policy, introduced by the Delhi government, prohibits diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years from plying on city roads. The policy aims to reduce vehicular emissions, which are a significant contributor to the capital’s hazardous air quality. Owners of these vehicles have been encouraged to either retire their vehicles voluntarily through scrapping facilities or opt for electric or greener alternatives.
![[Delhi-NCR Scrapping Policy] "Diesel Vehicles More than 10 Years & Petrol Vehicles More Than 15 Years Should be Prohibited": SC Refused To Entertain Plea](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Scrap-My-Car_-Best-Places-To-Sell-an-Old-Clunker-2024.jpeg?resize=800%2C609&ssl=1)
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today (25th Oct) refused to entertain a plea challenging Delhi’s vehicle scrappage policy, which prohibits the operation of diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years old within the city.
The policy is a key measure in addressing Delhi’s persistent air pollution problem. It mandates owners of outdated vehicles to either scrap them or transition to eco-friendly alternatives to curb emissions. By declining the plea, the Court has endorsed the Delhi government’s efforts to gradually phase out older vehicles and promote a cleaner, healthier environment in the capital.
READ ALSO: Plea in SC Against Delhi Policy Mandating to Scrap Old Vehicles Despite Roadworthiness
Background of the Scrappage Policy
The vehicle scrappage policy, introduced by the Delhi government, prohibits diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years from plying on city roads. The policy aims to reduce vehicular emissions, which are a significant contributor to the capital’s hazardous air quality. Owners of these vehicles have been encouraged to either retire their vehicles voluntarily through scrapping facilities or opt for electric or greener alternatives.
Plea and Grounds for Challenge
The petitioners argued that the scrappage policy was arbitrary and disproportionate in its impact. They contended that many well-maintained vehicles continue to meet emission norms and should not be forced off the road solely due to their age. Furthermore, they expressed concerns about the financial burden on vehicle owners, especially those from the middle-income group, who may not be able to afford new vehicles or electric alternatives.
The plea also cited economic losses for businesses relying on light commercial and passenger vehicles, urging the court to relax the rules and allow extensions for specific cases.
SC’s Reasoning Behind the Rejection
A Supreme Court bench, while dismissing the plea, emphasized that addressing Delhi’s deteriorating air quality is a matter of public interest and cannot be compromised. The court observed that the scrappage policy is consistent with environmental policies and the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) previous orders that barred old, polluting vehicles from operating in Delhi-NCR.
The bench further underscored that measures such as vehicle scrappage are essential for improving air quality and ensuring public health. The court noted that urban pollution, especially from vehicular emissions, has reached alarming levels, necessitating strong action to reduce pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxide (NOx).
Relief Measures in Place
In response to concerns about the financial burden, the Delhi government had previously announced incentives for scrapping old vehicles, including discounts on new vehicle purchases and exemptions from certain road taxes. It has also set up authorized scrappage centers where owners can safely dispose of old vehicles and receive certificates to avail of future benefits.
