In a significant decision, the Delhi High Court has ruled in favour of releasing "end of life" vehicles that were seized by authorities, provided that the owners provide an undertaking not to use the vehicles on the roads.
The court's decision also mandates that the owners of these vehicles either permanently park them in private spaces or remove them from the city limits. This ruling comes as a relief for thousands of car owners in the national capital whose vehicles were seized due to the Delhi government's policy on older internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
The high court's ruling is a response to a series of petitions filed by individuals challenging the Delhi government's policy of seizing petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years. The petitioners argued that this policy violated their right to property.
Justice Prateek Jalan, who presided over the petitions, has urged the Delhi government to develop a comprehensive policy that strikes a balance between property rights and environmental concerns, particularly when it comes to handling such "end of life" vehicles. The court's decision has provided interim relief to owners whose vehicles were seized, as long as they comply with the conditions set forth.
Owners of these seized vehicles will need to submit an undertaking that assures their vehicles will not be driven or parked in public spaces. They will also need to provide proof of ownership or lease of private spaces where the vehicles will be parked. Failure to adhere to the undertaking may lead to legal action.
Earlier this week, Delhi's Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot issued orders to the transport department to halt the seizure and scrapping of "end-of-life" vehicles that are parked and not in use by the owners. Many owners expressed their concerns after their vehicles, parked on roads, were towed away by authorities. Gahlot highlighted that the seizure drive had not received government approvals.
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