Sc For Suspending Motor Registration To Curb Pollution

A division bench consisting of Justice Kuldip Singh and Justice B L Hansaria issued notice suo motu to the Delhi authorities on some newspaper reports that had higlighted the hazards of air pollution in the capital.

Calling the joint director for traffic in the Delhi Administration, the court asked him to give the governments response to its suggestions by November 18.

The other suggestions made by the judges were non-renewal of licences of three-wheelers whose permits expire, scrapping of licences of six or seven-year-old vehicles and keeping off the road one-third of the existing vehicles every day.

The last suggestion would imply each vehicle would be on the road only on certain days of the week.

 

The court issued notice only to the Delhi administration, though the joint director pointed out that several other branches of the government would have to involved in the effort.

Another division bench of the Supreme Court, presided over by Chief Justice A M Ahmadi, is already dealing with air pollution caused by motor vehicles.

A few years ago, the court compelled the authorities to make catalytic converters compulsory in new cars sold in the capital.

It was also at the instance of the court that unleaded petrol outlets were introduced in the city. The Automobile Association of India is a party in that case. That bench is currently dealing with the problem of enforcing the installation of catalytic converters in more motor vehicles. It is also dealing with suggestions for introducing better fuel for the vehicles.

With yesterdays order, two benches will be dealing with the same problem, which is rather unusual.