The Supreme Court on Monday directed that no coercive action should be taken, for the time being, against owners of End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) in Delhi until the next hearing. The interim relief comes amid ongoing deliberations on the regulation and phasing out of older vehicles in the capital to curb pollution and ensure road safety.
Supreme Court Halts Action Against Owners of Old Vehicles in Delhi
The matter, which involves significant implications for states, automobile manufacturers, and the public, focuses on balancing environmental concerns with the rights of vehicle owners. Authorities had earlier initiated steps to enforce the scrapping of vehicles beyond their permissible age, but the apex court’s order has temporarily paused such measures.
End of Life Vehicles in Delhi
Environmentalists argue that ELVs contribute significantly to air pollution, particularly in urban centres like Delhi, and phasing them out is essential for meeting clean air targets. On the other hand, vehicle owners and trade associations have raised concerns over the financial burden of replacing vehicles, calling for more incentives and a phased approach to implementation.
The ruling also has implications for the automobile sector, as mandatory scrapping could drive demand for new vehicles, benefiting manufacturers but potentially straining the budgets of middle- and lower-income owners. The court’s decision to halt enforcement provides a window for exploring alternative solutions such as retrofitting vehicles with cleaner technology or offering government-backed scrappage benefits.
The next hearing is expected to provide clarity on the future of old vehicle regulations, with stakeholders closely watching for directions that could impact thousands of motorists in Delhi and the National Capital Region.