WNew Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday withdrew protection granted to end-of-life (EOL) vehicles with poor emission standards in the Delhi-NCR region, clearing the way for action against BS-III and older vehicles.
The apex court passed the order following a recommendation by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which sought modification of its earlier directive dated August 12. That earlier order had provided interim protection to all EOL vehicles in Delhi and the National Capital Region from any coercive action.
With the latest decision, vehicles classified as end-of-life and falling under BS-III or lower emission norms will no longer enjoy legal protection and can be subjected to regulatory measures, including seizure and scrapping, as part of efforts to curb air pollution.
The move is aimed at strengthening enforcement against high-polluting vehicles in the region, which continues to battle severe air quality issues, particularly during the winter months.
