No stay now on ban on entry of non-BS-VI vehicles in Capital: Delhi High Court

The Indian ExpressIndependentCenterNov 2

The Delhi High Court has declined to grant an interim stay on the government's ban preventing non-BS-VI vehicles registered outside the capital from entering Delhi until January 31. The ruling was made in response to a petition filed by a lawyer from Haryana who argued that the ban unfairly discriminates against out-of-state residents compared to those with Delhi-registered vehicles. The petitioner contended that the National Capital Region functions as a single integrated area and that pollution levels depend on emission standards rather than registration location. The court noted that similar issues are currently under review by the Supreme Court and directed the Delhi government to submit its response by November 27. This ban is part of broader anti-pollution measures implemented during the winter season to manage air quality in the region.

Bias read (Center): The report neutrally presents the court's procedural refusal to intervene, balancing the petitioner's arguments regarding differential treatment with the judicial note that the matter is sub judice before the Supreme Court.

Hindustan TimesIndependentCenterNov 2

The Delhi High Court has declined to issue an immediate stay on the Delhi government's ban on non-BS-VI compliant outstation vehicles entering the capital during the winter season. A judicial bench scheduled hearings for two petitions challenging the measure for November 27, noting that the restrictions are part of the Winter Action Plan effective until January 31, 2027. Petitioner Gurumukh Das Kohli argued that the blanket ban discriminates against vehicles based on registration location rather than actual emissions and conflicts with the Commission for Air Quality Management's graded response protocols. Additionally, the Delhi High Court Bar Association requested exemptions for legal professionals commuting from neighboring states, citing high housing costs and the essential nature of their duties. The court did not grant interim relief but indicated it would review the legality and proportionality of the environmental regulations alongside other related challenges.

Bias read (Center): The report neutrally presents the court's procedural decision and quotes specific arguments from both the petitioner and the bar association regarding discrimination and operational necessity without adopting a partisan stance.