M.C. Mehta vs Union of India

Bench: 3 — S. A. Bobde, A. S. Bopanna, V. Ramasubramanian

In Brief

This judgment addresses registration of BS-IV compliant diesel vehicles used for essential public services, despite restrictions under the M.C. Mehta petition. The Court granted exceptions for 20 water tankers (New Delhi Municipal Council), 2 water tankers (Delhi Cantonment Board), 2 CNG vehicles (Narbada Travels and Mrs. Virmani), and 3 aviation fuel dispensers (Indian Oil Skytanking) where CNG alternatives were technically unavailable and the vehicles served critical public utility functions. The Court held that when vehicles were purchased before cut-off dates, comply with then-applicable emission standards, and serve essential services with no feasible alternatives, regulatory accommodation through registration is justified.

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Environmental Law Motor Vehicle Registration Diesel Vehicles Ban Public Utility Services Essential Services Emission Control Writ Petition Administrative Law

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