Did you know? 10-year diesel, 15-year petrol cars can still ply in Delhi-NCR pending final Supreme Court verdict

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on 12th August ordered that no action should be taken, for now, against owners of older vehicles in Delhi-NCR, temporarily halting a nearly 10-year-old ban.Since 2015, diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years have been barred from the roads under a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order, later upheld by the Supreme Court. The rule aimed to reduce Delhi’s severe air pollution.Over the years, the policy expanded with vehicle scrapping rules, mandatory fitness tests, and new guidelines on handling “end-of-life” vehicles. In July, the Delhi government even directed fuel pumps not to refuel older cars, sparking a public outcry.

How has the policy evolved?

Over the years, the ban was reinforced with several measures: Until a final judgment is delivered, no police or transport department action can be taken against owners of older vehicles in Delhi-NCR.

Conclusion

On August 12, a bench led by Chief Justice BR Gavai issued an interim order saying “no coercive action” should be taken against such vehicle owners. This means that, until the court issues a final ruling, petrol cars older than 15 years and diesel cars older than 10 years can legally run in Delhi-NCR, provided they pass fitness and emission standards.