Frame policy to phase out heavy diesel vehicles, says SC

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Centre to frame a national policy to phase out heavy-duty diesel vehicles like trucks and trailers, and replace them with BS-VI vehicles that use cleaner fuel, underlining people living in all parts of the country and not only those living in the Delhi-NCR are entitled to breathe clean air and a pollution-free environment.

Deciding to monitor the government's steps regarding the proposed policy, a bench of justices AS Oka and Pankaj Mithal remained emphatic that air pollution directly affects the fundamental rights of all the citizens, guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, and that the enforcement of this right is not confined to the people living in Delhi-NCR.

"The right to life guaranteed under Article 21 includes the right to live in a pollution-free environment. The issue of air pollution is of a great deal of importance to every citizen. Air pollution affects citizens' quality of life," held the bench, fixing the next hearing on July 31 for reporting of the compliance by the Union ministry of transport and highways.

It further said that the process of exploring the possibility of finding better sources, including CNG/ hybrid/electric, for use of heavy-duty vehicles ought to continue