NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court modified its August 12 order on Wednesday, allowing action against vehicles below BS-IV emission standards in the NCR while exempting compliant older diesel (over 10 years) and petrol (over 15 years) vehicles amid Delhi’s severe air pollution crisis
A bench led by CJI Surya Kant responded to Delhi government’s plea for stricter enforcement, clarifying that sub-BS-IV vehicles remain targeted to curb emissions, as transport accounts for 41% of NCR pollution per CAQM data.
The court directed MCD to suspend nine Gurgaon toll plazas within a week to ease congestion-fueled pollution, prioritizing public health over revenue till January 31, 2026. It also mandated direct bank transfers to verified construction workers idled by bans—7,000 of 2.5 lakh so far—warning against fund diversion and suggesting alternative employment.
CJI highlighted affluent violations like diesel SUVs and generators, contrasting poor communities’ exposure, while amicus curiae flagged slow enforcement, sports events in hazardous air, and persistent “severe” AQI despite directives.
