SC allows action on old vehicles
The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday permitted the Delhi Government to take coercive action against vehicles that do not meet Bharat Stage-IV emission standards and directed the municipal corporation to consider temporary suspension of toll collection at the Capital’s entry points.
A Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, was hearing the issue of pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The court also observed orally that the measures taken by authorities so far have been a total failure in curbing pollution in the region. The SC also directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to consider temporary suspension of toll collection at nine entry points to the Capital to ease traffic congestion and pollution.
It, however, refused to interfere with Delhi Government’s decision to stop physical classes for students of nursery to Class 5, holding that no further tinkering was required as the winter break was already approaching. The observations came as the top court reviewed the continuing impact of air pollution despite repeated directions issued over the years.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Delhi Government, urged the Court to modify the August 12, 2025, order to allow action against vehicles with emission standards up to BS-III.
