
Delhi to urge SC for uniform policy on overage vehicles: CM Gupta
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta
on Sunday said her government will urge the
Supreme Court
to allow uniform rules on
overage vehicles
in the national capital in line with those followed across the country.
Gupta's remarks came after Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena wrote to her saying it is "irrational" to imagine that a 10-year-old diesel vehicle has reached its end of life in Delhi while remaining roadworthy and lawful in any other city under the same law.
"This appears incongruent with the principle of legal certainty and equal treatment," he said in the letter sent to CM on Saturday.
The LG also said the government should file a review petition before the SC apprising it of the range of initiatives taken by the government in the recent past and the changed circumstances for reconsideration of its order relating to end-of-life vehicles in relation to Delhi-NCR.
Last week, the
Delhi government
urged the Centre's air quality panel to immediately suspend the fuel ban on overage vehicles and said it will make "all-out efforts" to resolve issues related to restrictions on the movement of end-of-life vehicles on city roads.
Delhi Environment Minister
Manjinder Singh Sirsa, in a letter to Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) chairman Rajesh Verma, said the fuel ban is not feasible and cannot be implemented due to technological challenges.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event here, Gupta said the government will echo the sentiments of the people before the Supreme Court.
"We will tell the Supreme Court about the
pollution control measures
taken by the government. The parameters that are applicable in the entire country should also apply to Delhi. We want Delhiites not to face any inconvenience," she said.
When the order to ban fuel to overage vehicles was issued by CAQM, the government was worried since then, she said.
"The previous governments never did anything to control pollution in Delhi. Hence, NGT had to intervene and take such steps. However, now the situation has changed. Our environment minister wrote a letter to CAQM and told them such a provision cannot be implemented in Delhi," she said.
The chief minister said they are committed to providing relief to people.
Gupta also pointed out that if an overage vehicle is denied fuel in Delhi, it can still be filled from neighbouring areas.
A 2018 SC judgment banned diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years in Delhi. A 2014 National Green Tribunal order also prohibits the parking of vehicles aged over 15 years in public places.
In the communication to Gupta, Saxena also suggested that the government take up the matter with the CAQM chairman, presenting the entire gamut of facts for a reconsideration of the directions relating to overage vehicles and to keep them in abeyance at least till the entire NCR region is in a state of preparedness.
He had also recommended that the government send a communication to the Union transport ministry, highlighting the regulatory challenges in implementing Registration and Functioning of Vehicle Scrapping Facility rules and the rationale for a fresh look.
Sirsa said the government has accepted the suggestions made by the LG and is moving forward accordingly.
"The chief minister will instruct the chief secretary to act on the LG's recommendations, including reaching out to the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Our stand is clear - vehicles should be evaluated based on actual emissions, not just their age," Sirsa told PTI.
He added that one of the five recommendations, which involved communicating with the CAQM, has already been acted upon.
"We have already written to CAQM. The rest of the suggestions will also be taken up in due course," he said.
Taking a swipe at the previous AAP government, Sirsa said that over 80,000 vehicles were scrapped under their policy without assessing whether they were actually polluting.
"This decision has affected thousands of families. The compensation people got was minimal, while they had to spend a lot more to buy new vehicles. It seems the policy was designed to benefit vehicle manufacturers. In contrast, we are working in the interest of Delhi residents."

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
Karnataka must win over Tamil Nadu to unlock Mekedatu dam project, say experts
Bengaluru: Experts believe the impasse over the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project would not be permanent if Karnataka changes its approach from confrontation to collaboration. Planned at the confluence of Cauvery and Arkavathi rivers in Bengaluru South district, the Rs 9,000-crore project aims to store 48tmcft of water, supply 4.7tmcft for Bengaluru's drinking needs, and generate 400Mw of hydropower. Karnataka claims the project will help regulate water flow, prevent droughts and floods, and recharge groundwater. Despite political unity within Karnataka, the project has failed to move forward due to Tamil Nadu's opposition and pending approvals from central agencies. Tamil Nadu fears the dam will reduce its share of Cauvery water. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru A 2018 Supreme Court verdict on the Cauvery water-sharing issue did not prohibit Karnataka from building a dam at Mekedatu, but it said any such project must be cleared by Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), which is bound to consider Tamil Nadu's objections. Although both states are now partners of the INDIA bloc, the dispute remains. For Karnataka, which is battling erratic rainfall and mounting demand in Bengaluru, shelving the project is not an option. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo The state assembly has repeatedly passed unanimous resolutions demanding early clearance, escalating tensions with Tamil Nadu. Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, who led a 168-km padyatra in 2023 ahead of the assembly polls in support of the project, has been less vocal in recent months. He continues to express commitment but blames the Centre for not facilitating inter-state talks or granting approvals. Experts say Karnataka must reposition the project as a cooperative effort. "This is a project that can move forward but only if Karnataka stops presenting it as a unilateral exercise," said Dr Roopesh Kumar, a retired professor and water policy expert. "It should bring Tamil Nadu into the process. There is room for negotiation under the Cauvery tribunal framework if Karnataka can prove that the project won't affect flows to Tamil Nadu. " Political analyst Vishwas Shetty believes Karnataka's unity on the project offers leverage. "This is a rare issue where all Karnataka parties agree. The state can use that consensus to build pressure on the Centre," he said. "But Karnataka must first assure Tamil Nadu through diplomatic and technical channels that its water share won't be compromised." JD(S) state chief and Union minister HD Kumaraswamy also urged a direct dialogue between states. "The Congress govt in Karnataka should convince the DMK govt in Tamil Nadu to clear the project. I will then get clearance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in five minutes," he said. Tamil Nadu had passed resolutions opposing the project, citing the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, and moved the Supreme Court. "Any construction across the Cauvery by Karnataka will violate both tribunal and court orders," a senior Tamil Nadu official said. Karnataka maintains Mekedatu is a non-irrigation project and does not threaten Tamil Nadu's allocation of 404tmcft under the tribunal's final award and the apex court's revised 2018 order. Karnataka's allocation is 284tmcft. A Central Water Commission official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Karnataka must back its case with data. "Karnataka needs to submit a fresh, detailed project report with real-time data on flow, storage, and release mechanisms. If the DPR is watertight and shows that regulated releases will ensure Tamil Nadu's share, the Centre and CWMA may find it difficult to reject." A senior Jal Shakti ministry official said CWMA could mediate too. "CWMA's role isn't only to monitor releases; it can facilitate coordinated efforts to manage water resources. If both states are willing to discuss safeguards, a resolution is not impossible."


Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Govt to hold mega recruitment drive, says CM Fadnavis
The Maharashtra government is gearing up to launch a mega recruitment drive across various departments, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the state Legislative Assembly on Monday. 'This mega bharti (mega recruitment) will be initiated once a clear picture of the vacant posts emerges following a 150-day target programme assigned to all departments,' he said. Responding to a 'calling-attention notice' raised by MLA Bhimrao Keram regarding vacant posts in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category, Fadnavis said, 'We had earlier announced the recruitment of 75,000 posts. So far, over one lakh positions have been filled. The government will not hold back when it comes to recruitment.' The CM outlined key goals under the 150-day programme — restructuring departmental frameworks, updating recruitment rules, ensuring 100% compassionate appointments, and identifying clear vacancies. Based on these, a mega recruitment will be planned, he said. Fadnavis also revealed that as many as 6,860 posts reserved for Scheduled Tribes are currently held by individuals who have not submitted valid caste certificates, even after serving for 20 years or more. 'In a humanitarian approach, the government has treated these posts as supernumerary, meaning these employees will continue in their positions but will not be eligible for promotions. After they retire, these posts will be considered vacant and can be filled as per reservation norms,' he said. Out of these, 1,343 posts have already been filled with eligible ST candidates, and the process is underway to fill the rest. The government is also working to simplify and digitise the caste verification process using blockchain-based systems, aiming to bring speed and transparency. In a related development, Fadnavis announced that the Supreme Court has lifted the stay on inheriting sanitation jobs. Recruitment for such posts will now proceed based on the recommendations of the Lad–Page Committee. 'Recruitment for ST-reserved posts in the Public Works Department will also be taken up shortly. A special secretarial task force will be constituted to expedite and streamline the caste certificate verification process,' the CM added.


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
HC asks BMC to review decision to close abattoirs for only a day
Mumbai: Bombay High Court on Monday directed the BMC to reconsider its decision to close slaughterhouses for only a day during the Jain festival of Paryushan Parv. Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne permitted two Jain trusts to make "detailed" representations to BMC and directed BMC to reconsider its Aug 30, 2024 decision before commencement of the festival on August 20. Two petitions were filed last year by Sheth Motishaw Lalbaug Jain Charities and Sheth Bherulalji Kanaiyalalji Kothari Religious Trust urging that abattoirs be closed for the entire 9-day period of the festival. On Aug 29, 2024, HC had directed BMC and municipal corporations in Pune, Nashik and Mira Bhayander to decide on their stand. Senior advocate Darius Khambata, for a trust, argued that BMC had not considered a Supreme Court 2008 judgment that upheld the 9-day closure for Paryushan. SC held that it is a reasonable restriction with no violation of fundamental rights of persons engaged in slaughter of animals. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The judges, however, pointed out "by that very analogy, others will seek similar relief for festivals like Ganpati, Durga Puja, Navami and Navratri. They said the petitioners have to show a fundamental or legal right to close slaughterhouses. "Let Corporation take a decision,'' the CJ added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Khambata said BMC had already taken a decision last year saying Mumbai's cosmopolitan population includes non-vegetarians. He said the premise of BMC's decision is the SC judgment "pertained to Ahmedabad where there is a preponderance of Jain community." He said 5.38 % of the Greater Mumbai population are Jains and 3.64 % in Ahmedabad. In fact, there are more Jains in Maharashtra than in Gujarat. Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, appearing for the second trust, said according to the 2011 census there were 14 lakh Jains in Maharashtra and 5.7 lakh in Gujarat. Justice Marne, referring to the last para of the SC judgment, said, "Like this everybody will demand for different festivals." However, Khambata argued, "This is a festival of non-violence and ahimsa. Therefore I don't think any other community has this kind of festival." Government pleader Poornima Kantharia said as per a 2019 notification, slaughter houses have to close due to festivals including Paryushan for 7 days in all. BMC's advocate Akshay Shinde said it had notified 15 days in the year for such closure. The judges were "willing to adjudicate on the validity of the decision and also give you the option to ask the corporation to reconsider the decision." Disposing of the petitions, the judges also directed Nashik and Pune municipal corporations to decide on closure of slaughter houses during Paryushan. They clarified they have not expressed any opinion on the merits of the matter