The Supreme Court has temporarily stayed the ban on old diesel and petrol vehicles in Delhi-NCR. Notice has been issued to the commission. No punitive action will be taken against vehicle owners.
Delhi: The Supreme Court has delivered a major verdict regarding the ban on old diesel and petrol vehicles in Delhi-NCR. The court has temporarily suspended the ban on 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles. In this case, the Delhi government had requested a reconsideration of the ban order, which the Supreme Court accepted, issuing a notice to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). In this article, we will present the complete information about this decision in simple language.
Supreme Court Grants Relief to Old Vehicles
The Supreme Court, while hearing the petition of the Delhi government, has stated that the ban on 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles will not be implemented for the time being. The court has stayed any kind of punitive action during this period. This order has been given for reconsideration of the old order issued in 2018 to improve the air quality of the National Capital Region.
The hearing of this case was conducted by a bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, Justice Vinod K. Chandran, and Justice N.V. Anjaria. The court has also directed the Commission for Air Quality Management to respond within 4 weeks in this matter.
Basis of Delhi Government's Petition
The Delhi government informed the court that many old vehicles are kept for limited use. For example, some vehicles are used only for commuting from home to office and do not even run 2000 kilometers in a year.
The government also said that under the existing rules, such vehicles have to be sold after 10 or 15 years, which causes problems for the general public. That is why they have sought a review of this policy so that people can get relief.
Notice to Commission for Air Quality Management
After hearing the government's argument, the Supreme Court said that no decision can be taken without hearing the other party. Therefore, the court has issued a notice to the Commission for Air Quality Management, asking it to respond within 4 weeks.
This commission monitors the air quality of Delhi-NCR and the ban on old vehicles was imposed on this basis. Now, the next decision will be taken only after the commission's opinion in this matter.
History of Ban on Old Vehicles
The Delhi government had implemented a policy called 'No Fuel for Old Vehicles' in July 2025. Under this, the supply of fuel to 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles was banned.
However, this policy was stopped in just two days due to public opposition. People had described this rule as very strict and insensitive, especially for those who use old vehicles for limited purposes.
