Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Pinky Anand and advocate Balendu Shekhar, appearing for the Ministry of Heavy Industries, said that tribunal should not impose such a “harsh” order as it would adversely affect the automobile sector and the economy.
Anand said that an impression has been created about the diesel fuel that it is more polluting which is not a “reality” and other fuels were also causing pollution.
The ASG said that the auto industry contributes over 8 per cent of FDI under Make in India initiative and a major source of employment generation in India.
“Emission norms for particulate matter in respect of diesel vehicles, including that of 2000 cc, has considerably increased over a period of time and would come to the level of petrol/CNG vehicles by year 2020… Private vehicle owners have already paid a 15-year tax on all vehicles. Asking them not to use the vehicles after 10 years is, therefore, completely unjustified and may lead to other PIls for refund of road tax, which has already been paid by the owners,” she said, adding that ban should be extended only on 15 year old vehicles.
The Department of Heavy Industries also told the bench that it was giving subsidy to the buyers of electric and hybrid vehicles to encourage their increased use.
Noting the submissions, the bench directed the ministry to file an affidavit giving the status of electric and hybrid vehicles in the country and also mention as to what benefits the ministry was considering for those who wish to dispose of their old vehicles.