SC is ready to lift ban on sale of large diesel-run vehicles but with one condition

In a major relief to automakers, the Supreme Court said it may lift the ban on diesel-run vehicles with a capacity of 2000 CC and above in Delhi-NCR.

However, the Supreme Court said the relaxation will be subject to a levy of one-time environment compensation cess.

"We are inclined to allow registration. We are open to the registration subject to some kind of one-time cess," said a bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justices A K Sikri and R Banumathi.

The Supreme Court explored options of levying green cess at the time of registration of large diesel vehicles and sought opinion of lawyers appearing for automobile majors on the same.

"Can you (lawyers for auto firms) ask your people to work out details as to what may be the cess to be levied on such vehicles with regard to the showroom price etc," it said.

The lawyers said it was not an "adversarial" litigation and the amount of cess can be worked out.

The bench also inquired about as to whether there was any prescribed emission standards for diesel vehicles.

The bench has sought reports with regard to the research works carried out on the impact of Euro-IV norms on vehicular emission.

Earlier, automobile giants like Mercedes, Toyota, Mahindra and General Motors had moved the apex court for modification of the order by which registration of their high -end diesel vehicles, with an engine capacity of 2000 CC and above was barred in Delhi and NCR.

While continuing with the status-quo on registration of high-end diesel vehicles, the court had asked the big car makers not to treat the PIL as an "adversarial litigation" and "treat it in public interest".

In order to bring down pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court had banned registration of heavy diesel-run vehicles in December last year.

(Image: Indiatimes)