The court's decision was made in response to a batch of petitions filed by vehicle owners who had had their vehicles confiscated for being over the age limit.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the release of several seized “end-of-life” vehicles on an undertaking by the owners to either permanently park them in private spaces or remove them from the city limits.
Justice Prateek Jalan was dealing with a batch of petitions against the seizure of cars by authorities for being in violation of judicial orders banning the use of petrol and diesel vehicles that are over 15 years and 10 years of age, respectively.
The court’s decision was made in response to a batch of petitions filed by vehicle owners who had had their vehicles confiscated for being over the age limit. The petitioners argued that their vehicles were not being used on the roads and that they had sentimental value.
The court asked the Delhi government to frame a policy on dealing with such vehicles when owners are willing to assure that they would not be used here and give “due publicity” to the same.
It observed that the intention behind the policy was not to scrap the cars but ensure that the national capital is pollution free, and a balance has to be maintained between the right to use one’s property and environ .
it observed that the intention behind the policy was not to scrap the cars but ensure that the national capital is pollution free, and a balance has to be maintained between the right to use one’s property and environmental interests.
The court clarified that the undertaking to the transport department would state that the vehicles shall be towed or transported to the border of the NCT of Delhi for its removal, and that when the vehicle is registered in Delhi, the petitioner may apply for NOC for transfer of vehicles outside Delhi.
Any breach of the undertaking by the owners would invite action from court, Justice Jalan said.
Meanwhile, Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot had on Monday directed the department secretary-cum-commissioner to stop seizing parked vehicles that have completed their stipulated life on the road.
Owners of such vehicles are fined if these are found plying on the roads.
