Supreme Court Orders Delhi and Three States to Curb Vehicular Emissions

The Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concern over the sharp rise in vehicular emissions in Delhi and the National Capital Region, calling for urgent intervention to address their growing contribution to air pollution.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued the directions on November 6 while hearing a suo motu case concerning air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

“There can be little doubt that the issue warrants urgent and immediate intervention.”

The court directed the governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan, together with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Police, to submit detailed reports on existing and proposed short-term and long-term measures to prevent over-age and non-compliant vehicles from entering and operating in the region.

Authorities must also explain how they identify, monitor and regulate vehicles that fail to meet prescribed emission standards, including enforcement of Pollution Under Control certification requirements.

The bench noted that data presented to it showed a significant decline in stubble-burning incidents across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. However, it warned that vehicular emissions had emerged as an equally pressing concern despite this improvement.

The court highlighted that Delhi and the NCR face pollution from vehicles operating within the region as well as those entering from neighbouring states, adding that the substantial movement of commercial and private vehicles was increasing the existing emission burden.

National Herald reported that states have two weeks to submit time-bound plans, with the next hearing scheduled for November 23.