Supreme Court Enforces Ban on BS-IV Vehicles Beyond 2020 for a Cleaner Environment

The Supreme Court of India, in a landmark judgment, ruled that no Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) vehicles shall be sold or registered in India after March 31, 2020. This decision, delivered in M.C. Mehta v. Union of India & Others, aims to curb air pollution and ensure a nationwide shift to Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) compliant vehicles.

Background of the Case

The case was brought before the Court by environmental activist M.C. Mehta, who sought strict implementation of vehicular emission norms to combat rising air pollution levels. The Supreme Court had previously ruled in 2017 that only BS-IV compliant vehicles could be sold after April 1, 2017, setting the stage for a future transition to BS-VI norms.

Government’s Position on BS-VI Compliance

The government had mandated that BS-VI emission norms be implemented across the country from April 1, 2020. However, automobile manufacturers, through the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), requested an extension to sell BS-IV vehicles beyond the deadline. They argued that manufacturers needed additional time to transition production lines and clear existing stock.

Arguments Presented

Petitioner’s Arguments

• Air pollution in India has reached hazardous levels, particularly in urban centers like Delhi.
• The transition to BS-VI vehicles should not be delayed as India already lags behind global standards.
• BS-VI fuel, which has lower sulfur content, was already available in Delhi and would be introduced nationwide by April 2020.
• Delaying the phase-out of BS-IV vehicles would adversely impact public health.

Respondent (Automobile Manufacturers) Arguments

• Transitioning to BS-VI vehicles requires significant technological advancements.
• Clearing existing inventory of BS-IV vehicles would require an additional three to six months.
• European countries provided manufacturers with a grace period for switching to new emission standards.
• Some manufacturers had already developed BS-VI compliant vehicles, but nationwide implementation was a logistical challenge.

Supreme Court’s Ruling

The Supreme Court rejected the automobile industry’s plea and ruled:

“No Bharat Stage-IV vehicle shall be sold or registered in India from April 1, 2020. There shall be no extension for selling existing stock.”

The Court emphasized that pollution levels in India had reached alarming levels, with studies indicating that one out of three children in Delhi suffered from respiratory issues due to vehicular emissions.

Key Observations by the Supreme Court

• Public health must take precedence over commercial interests.
• Automobile manufacturers had ample time to prepare for BS-VI transition.
• Indian manufacturers were already producing BS-VI compliant vehicles for export markets.
• The government had invested Rs. 30,000 crores to ensure nationwide availability of BS-VI fuel.

Implications of the Judgment

• Automobile dealers must clear BS-IV vehicle inventory before March 31, 2020.
• Only BS-VI compliant vehicles will be allowed on Indian roads after April 1, 2020.
• Reduction in vehicular emissions, contributing to better air quality.
• Manufacturers must accelerate production of cleaner vehicles.

Conclusion

This ruling is a crucial step in India’s fight against air pollution. By enforcing strict deadlines, the Court has ensured that cleaner and more efficient vehicular technology is adopted without delay. The decision upholds the right of citizens to breathe clean air, reinforcing the principle that economic interests cannot override public health concerns.

Petitioner Name: M.C. Mehta.
Respondent Name: Union of India & Others.
Judgment By: Justice Madan B. Lokur, Justice S. Abdul Nazeer, Justice Deepak Gupta.
Place Of Incident: India.
Judgment Date: 24-10-2018.

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