Tata Motors approaches NGT against Delhi govt's refusal to register commercial diesel vehicles

Tata told the NGT that the current SC order was intended to apply only to private luxury automobiles; hearing date set for 24 August

Tata Motors Ltd. approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT) today challenging a Delhi Government notification banning the registration of all types of diesel vehicles (private and commercial) with engine capacities of 2,000 cc or above. 

The impugned notification flows from a December 2015 Supreme Court order restricting the registration of high-end diesel vehicles of 2,000 cc or above. Since then, car manufacturers such as Mercedes have approached the court seeking relaxation of the interim order on payments of green cesses instead. The matter is fixed for hearing before the apex forum on 12 August next.

In today’s application, Tata told the NGT that the current Supreme Court interim order was intended to apply only to private luxury automobiles and not all classes of vehicles, as has been interpreted by the Delhi Government while issuing the notification in question. 

The carmaker is concerned about serious losses to revenue if the ban on diesel commercial vehicles continues in the National Capital Region (NCR).

After hearing the submissions, the NGT allowed the Tata application along with a Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) challenge made on the same grounds. 

The tribunal has set a date for further hearing on 24 August. The green court will also be entertaining the Ministry of Heavy Industries plea against the legality of the prior NGT order regarding the de-registration of diesel vehicles above 10 years old in the NCT on the same day.