CNG importers and retro-fitters approach Delhi HC against ban on kit registrations

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The Society for Alternative Fuel and Environment approached the Delhi High Court on Wednesday, seeking relief against a Delhi Transport Department decision to ban the registration of CNG kits in 'in-use' vehicles, without supporting vehicle manufacturer approvals.

The Delhi Transport Department had issued an order on June 20, directing all vehicle registration authorities not to endorse CNG fuel kits on registration certificates of 'in-use' vehicles on allegations of sales of unapproved equipment, which were cheating unsuspecting owners.

Subsequently, several vehicle manufacturers, CNG kit importers and retro-fitters approached the transport authorities submitting their representations against the June order. The representations lead to the Deputy Commissioner issuing a circular on August 12, allowing the registration of CNG kits for such vehicles, on production of original vehicle manufacturer certifications.

The circular left external kit importers and retro-fitters aggrieved, as the equipments and operations of these entities had still not been allowed, leading to the present petition before the high court seeking relief from the transport department's directions.

In Wednesday's hearing, the affected parties submitted that the registration of CNG kits had already been dealt with in Rule 115B of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989 and as such, the directions of the transport department were beyond the scope of the Motor Vehicles Act 1989.

Justice Manmohan admitted the petition, but refused to pass any interim orders till 17th October, as the issue is to be discussed again in a meeting with the Transport Commissioner on Friday.