What order Supreme Court issued regarding old vehicles below BS-IV standards in Delhi-NCR?

The Supreme Court has allowed action against 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles below BS-IV emission standards in Delhi-NCR.

BS-IV (Bharat Stage IV) standards were Indian vehicle emission regulations that were implemented in 2017.  These standards set limits for pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM), and required cleaner fuel (50 ppm sulfur) and basic emission control technologies (such as catalytic converters) to reduce air pollution.

The Supreme Court modified its August 12 order, which had stayed coercive action against diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years in the National Capital Region.

The Supreme Court clarified on Wednesday that action can be taken against vehicles that are below BS-IV emission standards.

The bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul Pancholi issued this order on the request of the Delhi government.

The Delhi government had sought action against older vehicles in view of the air quality crisis in the national capital.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Delhi government, sought a modification of the order passed on August 12, 2025. The ASG said, "The emission standards of older vehicles are very poor and they are contributing to pollution."

While pronouncing the order, the Supreme Court said that no coercive action will be taken against BS-IV and newer vehicles. Action can only be taken on the basis that the vehicles are 10 years old (diesel vehicles) and 15 years old (petrol vehicles).

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