What Are End of Life Vehicles (ELVs)?
As per Delhi government’s recent directives, petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years are classified as ELVs. Fuel stations are strictly prohibited from refuelling such vehicles to curb air pollution in the national capital.
This move, though well-intended to combat toxic vehicular emissions, has now stirred legal tensions. Petrol pump owners argue that implementation has been thrust upon them without proper training, authority, or technological support.
On July 2, Justice Mini Pushkarna issued a notice to the Delhi government and clarified that any penalised fuel pump owners can bring the issue before the Court. The matter is now listed for the next hearing on September 8, 2025.
Dealers Support Clean Air, But Question Liability
The dealers’ association clarified that they support the government’s goal to improve air quality and are not opposed to the ban on refuelling ELVs. However, they contest the “excessive and irrational liability” imposed on them via the threat of legal action under Section 192(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
They highlighted that their staff is not legally empowered to verify vehicle registration years or stop consumers. The SOPs issued by the government have placed an administrative task on private businesses without enabling provisions.
Who Represented Whom?
The petitioners—Delhi Petrol Dealers Association—were represented by Advocates Anand Varma, Adaysha Nanda, and Apoorva Pandey. On the other side, the Delhi government was represented by Standing Counsel Sameer Vashish and Advocate Harshita Nathrani.
Looking Ahead
The Court’s future decision may set a precedent for how environmental compliance is implemented across private service sectors. A balance between regulatory enforcement and practical implementation remains the key issue here.