Delhi HC Refuses to Stay Ban on Non-BS-VI Vehicles from Outside Capital
Delhi High Court declines to stop the seasonal ban on non-BS-VI vehicles registered outside the capital. Find out who is affected.
The Delhi High Court has declined to grant an interim stay on a controversial notification by the Delhi government that restricts the entry of non-BS-VI vehicles ban Delhi during the peak winter months. This move ensures that the restrictions aimed at curbing pollution will remain in force for the upcoming winter season.
The Winter Restriction Timeline
According to the notification issued by the Department of Environment and Forests, the restrictions are scheduled to be in effect from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027. The measure is part of a broader strategy to combat the severe air quality degradation that typically plagues the national capital during the winter.
Legal Challenge and Court's Observation
The petition challenging this order was filed by Gurmukh Das Kohli, a lawyer from Faridabad. The petitioner argued that the government's decision is discriminatory, as it creates a divide based on where a vehicle is registered rather than focusing on the actual emission levels of the vehicle itself.
A division bench, consisting of Justice Sanjay Sharma and Acting Chief Justice Nitin Vasudev Sambre, heard the arguments. However, the court observed that there was no immediate necessity to intervene in a policy decision made by the government. Consequently, the court refused to halt the implementation of the ban.
Who is Affected?
The impact of this mandate is expected to be massive, potentially affecting over 1 million vehicles. This primarily includes residents and commuters from neighboring National Capital Region (NCR) areas, such as:
- Gurugram
- Faridabad
- Noida
- Greater Noida
- Ghaziabad
Exemptions to the Rule
Not all vehicles are barred from entering the city. The government has provided specific exemptions for the following categories:
- Vehicles powered by CNG.
- Electric vehicles (EVs).
- BS-VI compliant vehicles that are registered within Delhi.
The Delhi High Court has scheduled the next hearing for November 27, during which it will also take up a similar pending matter related to these restrictions.