Supreme Court Rules on Environmental Regulations and Vehicle Registration
The case of M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India concerns critical issues related to environmental regulations and vehicle registration under the BS-IV and BS-VI emission norms. The Supreme Court was tasked with determining whether various government and private entities could be granted exemptions for registering BS-IV vehicles, considering the implementation of stringent environmental norms.
Background of the Case
The case originated as a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by M.C. Mehta, an environmental activist, regarding air pollution in Delhi and across India. Over the years, the case has evolved to encompass multiple environmental concerns, including vehicular emissions, solid waste management, and industrial pollution.
One of the key issues before the Supreme Court in this particular hearing was whether certain government bodies, educational institutions, and private individuals could be allowed to register their BS-IV vehicles despite the nationwide transition to BS-VI norms from April 1, 2020.
Petitioner’s Arguments
The petitioner, M.C. Mehta, argued:
- Vehicular emissions are one of the largest contributors to air pollution, particularly in metropolitan areas like Delhi.
- The transition to BS-VI norms was mandated to significantly reduce vehicular pollution.
- Allowing exemptions for BS-IV vehicles would undermine the government’s effort to curb pollution.
- The environmental impact of continued registration of older emission-standard vehicles must be taken into account.
Respondents’ Arguments
The respondents, including various government departments, municipal corporations, and private individuals, contended:
- The vehicles in question were procured before the March 31, 2020 deadline for BS-IV registrations.
- Many of these vehicles were intended for public utility services such as waste management, firefighting, and public transportation.
- Refusing registration would cause financial losses and disrupt essential services.
- Several vehicles were already entered into the government’s e-Vahan portal but had not completed the registration process before the deadline.
Supreme Court’s Findings
The Supreme Court, comprising Chief Justice S.A. Bobde, Justice A.S. Bopanna, and Justice V. Ramasubramanian, made the following key observations:
1. Registration of Government Utility Vehicles
The Court recognized that certain vehicles, such as garbage disposal trucks, water tankers, and firefighting units, play a crucial role in public welfare. Therefore, it ruled:
“Since these vehicles are to be put to use for public utility services, the applications for their registration are allowed, following the Order dated 18.09.2020.”
2. Compliance with Environmental Norms
The Court emphasized that all newly registered vehicles must comply with BS-VI standards moving forward. However, exceptions would be made for vehicles that were:
- Purchased before March 31, 2020.
- Entered into the e-Vahan portal but not registered due to administrative delays.
3. Educational Institution Transport
The Court allowed the registration of certain BS-IV school buses for educational institutions, considering the financial burden on schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It ruled:
“Since these buses are BS-IV CNG compliant vehicles, their registration is permitted, following our earlier orders.”
4. Private Individual Petitions
The Court took a stricter stance on applications filed by private individuals seeking registration of personal BS-IV vehicles. It ruled:
“Private individuals who failed to register their vehicles before the deadline should approach the respective High Courts for relief.”
5. Delhi Fire Service Application
The Delhi Fire Service sought an exemption for registering 30 BS-IV firefighting vehicles. The Court ruled in favor of the request, citing the public safety implications.
6. Municipal Corporation Applications
The North Delhi and East Delhi Municipal Corporations applied for registration of garbage collection trucks and road sweepers. The Court approved these applications, stating:
“Considering that these vehicles are essential for sanitation and waste management, their registration is allowed.”
Judgment and Conclusion
The Supreme Court issued the following directives:
- BS-IV vehicles procured for public utility services such as waste management and firefighting are allowed registration.
- Educational institutions may register BS-IV buses, provided they were purchased before March 31, 2020.
- Private individuals must seek relief from the respective High Courts.
- No further exemptions for BS-IV vehicles will be entertained beyond this order.
The Court concluded:
“While public service vehicles require exemptions to function efficiently, the transition to BS-VI standards must be strictly upheld for private vehicles to ensure environmental protection.”
This ruling balances environmental concerns with the necessity of allowing essential services to operate without disruption.
Petitioner Name: M.C. Mehta.Respondent Name: Union of India & Others.Judgment By: Justice S.A. Bobde, Justice A.S. Bopanna, Justice V. Ramasubramanian.Place Of Incident: Delhi, India.Judgment Date: 09-04-2021.
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