In a major development, the Delhi government is preparing to approach the Supreme Court over the recent ban on lakhs of old vehicles in the capital. The decision comes in response to public backlash after fuel supply was halted to vehicles deemed End of Life (ELV)—a move intended to combat rising air pollution. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta confirmed that the government will present its case before the apex court, aiming to balance environmental goals with the rights of citizens.
Delhi’s Stand on End of Life Vehicle (ELV) Policy
According to the Chief Minister, a formal letter was sent to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) by Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, urging reconsideration of the vehicle retirement scheme. Gupta emphasized that the policy must be implemented in a fair and inclusive manner. “Delhi should not be treated differently from the rest of India, and our citizens should not be unfairly punished for simply going about their daily lives,” she stated.
What Triggered the Controversy?
On July 1, 2025, Delhi officially banned diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. The new policy aimed to reduce emissions in a city frequently engulfed by toxic smog, especially in winter months. As part of the enforcement, fuel supply to such vehicles was cut off, sparking outrage among daily commuters and working-class citizens who rely on older vehicles for transport.
Scale of the Impact: 62 Lakh Vehicles Affected
Official estimates reveal that around 62 lakh vehicles in the capital—ranging from two-wheelers to trucks and vintage cars—are impacted by the ELV directive. With nearly 50% of Delhi’s air pollution attributed to vehicle emissions, authorities defended the measure as a necessary step to protect public health. However, the immediate implementation and lack of alternatives have created major inconvenience.
Smart Surveillance at Petrol Pumps
To enforce the ban, authorities installed AI-powered cameras at 498 petrol stations across Delhi. These cameras are connected to a central ELV database that automatically scans vehicle number plates. If flagged as “End of Life,” the fuel station is notified, and fuel is denied.
Government Faces Implementation Hurdles
Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has also criticized the rollout, citing inadequate infrastructure to handle the disposal or scrapping of such a large number of vehicles. He urged a temporary suspension of the order until better logistics, recycling facilities, and vehicle replacement programs are in place.
With rising public dissatisfaction and logistical challenges mounting, the Delhi government’s move to involve the Supreme Court may set a significant precedent for how India addresses pollution without disproportionately burdening everyday citizens.
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- My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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