M.C. Mehta vs Union of India & Ors. (In Re : Recommendation Nos. 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 of Report Nos. 71 and 78 Submitted By EPCA)

Bench: 3 — Deepak Gupta

In Brief

This writ petition challenges whether Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) vehicles may be sold in India after 31 March 2020, with manufacturers seeking extended time to clear stocks. The Court held that the right to life under Article 21 includes the right to a clean environment and health must supersede commercial interests. As manufacturers possess BS-VI technology and have 1½ years to transition, the Court directed that no BS-IV compliant vehicles shall be sold or registered nationwide from 1 April 2020. The Court emphasized that uniform nationwide application is essential because all areas deserve protection against future pollution, and any delay harms citizens' health, particularly children.

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Environmental Law Constitutional Law Public Health Vehicular Pollution Administrative Law Inter-generational Equity

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