The Delhi High Court today ruled in favor of releasing seized “end of life” cars on the condition that the owners give an undertaking that they will not ply the vehicles on the roads. Additionally, the owners of these vehicles need to ensure that these vehicles are either permanently parked in private spaces or removed from the city limits.
The court's decision came after a host of individuals filed a petition, challenging the Delhi government’s policy of seizing ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles that are over 15 years old for petrol and a decade old for diesel. The petitioners argued that the policy has violated their right to property.
The ruling comes as a relief of thousands of car owners in the national capital whose cars were seized.
Additionally, Justice Prateek Jalan, who was dealing with the petitions, has urged the Delhi government to work on a policy for handling such vehicles, emphasizing a balance between property rights and environmental concerns.
Breach of the undertaking submitted by the car owners will invite court action. Furthermore, the owners will need to provide a proof of ownership/lease of private spaces where the vehicles will be parked.
Earlier this week, Delhi’s transport minister Kailash Gahlot issued orders to the transport department to stop seizing and scrapping the ‘end-of-life’ cars that are parked and are not being used by the owners. Several owners had raised their concerns after their vehicles, which were parked on roads, were towed away by the authorities.
Gahlot also said that the seizure drive from Delhi’s transport department had no approvals from the government.
(With inputs from PTI)
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