In Brief
M.C. Mehta filed a public interest writ petition challenging a refusal to register water tanker trucks for essential water supply services. The Supreme Court examined whether BS-IV diesel vehicles could be exempted from stricter emission standards where CNG alternatives were unavailable. The Court held that water tankers carrying inflammable products necessarily require diesel engines, and vehicles purchased before cut-off dates in compliance with then-applicable BS-IV standards should be registered despite stricter norms taking effect later. The Court allowed the petition, recognizing that essential public utility services may warrant exceptions to general environmental regulatory requirements based on practical necessity and circumstances specific to the service provided.",
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.