Delhi Vehicle Rule: The Supreme Court on Tuesday clarified that only vehicles fitted with BS-4 engines or higher will be exempt from action in Delhi. The clarification modifies an earlier order linked to restrictions on 10-year-old diesel vehicles and 15-year-old petrol vehicles, imposed from December 18 to tackle rising air pollution in the capital.

Why the Clarification Was Issued

The earlier direction, passed after a plea by the Delhi government, had said no strict action would be taken against age-barred vehicles. This led to confusion among vehicle owners and enforcement agencies. The court’s latest order clearly states that exemption will apply only to BS-4 compliant vehicles.

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Role Of Pollution Watchdog

The clarification followed a request from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The body told the court that vehicles with BS-III and older engines contribute heavily to pollution and should not be given any relief, especially during severe air quality episodes in Delhi-NCR.

Older Engines And Emissions

As per CAQM data, most petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years are equipped with BS-III engines, as BS-IV norms were introduced later. The commission said these vehicles emit several times more particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide than newer models.

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Government Steps To Curb Emissions

With the Air Quality Index continuing to worsen, the Prime Minister’s Office has directed strict action against polluting vehicles. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced fresh measures, including denial of fuel to vehicles without a valid pollution certificate, smarter traffic systems to reduce congestion and a new car-pooling application to cut emissions.