Supreme Court Bans Sale and Registration of BS-III Vehicles from April 1, 2017

The Supreme Court of India, in its landmark ruling, has banned the sale and registration of Bharat Stage-III (BS-III) vehicles from April 1, 2017, prioritizing public health over commercial interests. The decision has widespread implications for vehicle manufacturers, dealers, and the general public, as the country moves towards cleaner emission standards.

Background of the Case

The case stems from the environmental concerns raised in the ongoing legal battle spearheaded by petitioner M.C. Mehta against the Union of India and others. The petition sought to address the alarming levels of air pollution caused by vehicular emissions. The primary issue before the Court was whether manufacturers and dealers could continue to sell and register BS-III vehicles after March 31, 2017.

Petitioner’s Arguments

The petitioner argued that allowing the sale and registration of BS-III vehicles beyond the deadline would cause severe health hazards. The petitioner cited studies highlighting the detrimental impact of vehicular emissions on air quality, which directly contributes to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and other serious health concerns.

Respondent’s Arguments

The vehicle manufacturers contended that they were legally entitled to manufacture BS-III vehicles until March 31, 2017. They argued that there was no explicit prohibition on the sale and registration of such vehicles after the deadline. They also sought reasonable time to clear their existing stock of BS-III vehicles, stating that an abrupt ban would result in substantial financial losses.

Supreme Court’s Ruling

The Supreme Court rejected the manufacturers’ plea, emphasizing the urgency of environmental protection over commercial losses. The Court stated:

“The number of such vehicles may be small compared to the overall number of vehicles in the country, but the health of the people is far, far more important than the commercial interests of the manufacturers.”

Accordingly, the Court issued the following directives:

• With effect from April 1, 2017, no BS-III vehicle, whether two-wheeler, three-wheeler, four-wheeler, or commercial vehicle, shall be sold anywhere in India by any manufacturer or dealer.
• All vehicle registration authorities under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, are prohibited from registering any BS-III vehicle after April 1, 2017, except on proof that the vehicle was sold before March 31, 2017.

Implications of the Judgment

The ruling had far-reaching consequences for vehicle manufacturers and dealers. Many companies were left with substantial unsold inventory, estimated to be worth thousands of crores of rupees. The shift to Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) standards, which mandate lower emissions, marked a significant step towards cleaner air.

Government’s Position

The Solicitor General, representing the Government of India, supported the transition, confirming that BS-IV fuel would be available nationwide from April 1, 2017. The government had already invested approximately ₹30,000 crores in upgrading refineries to produce cleaner fuel.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s decision reaffirmed India’s commitment to combating air pollution and promoting public health. The transition to BS-IV standards was a crucial step in aligning with global emission norms and ensuring a sustainable future for the country.

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Download Judgment: M.C. Mehta vs Union of India & Oth Supreme Court of India Judgment Dated 29-03-2017.pdf