The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a notice to the Central Government and directed to file a reply within four weeks. The matter is related to the order of the Center in which instructions were given to remove 15 -year -old petrol vehicles and 10 -year -old diesel vehicles. A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Manoj Mishra said that no forced action would be taken against any vehicle owner till the next hearing.
The petition states that millions of vehicle owners will be affected by this order. Many people are dependent on their vehicles everyday work, employment and livelihood. Older vehicles will have to be given in junk when the order is implemented, which will not only cause economic loss to the vehicle owners, but will also affect mechanic, driver, transport service provider and small businessmen. The petitioners argue that instead of removing old vehicles, the government should adopt options such as fitting them with advanced technology or allowing use after pollution check.
The court also said that it would review the environmental and economic impacts of this policy. The government’s favor is that old vehicles spread more pollution and also threaten road safety. On the other hand, the vehicle owner and the industry associated with the industry say that such a sudden law can deepen the economic crisis.
The next hearing will see if there is a possibility of amendment or adjournment in this order. The court has asked all the parties to be ready for extensive debate. At the moment, there is an interim relief for older vehicle owners that no action will be taken against them until further orders.
