The Supreme Court today hinted at considering relaxation in its order banning registration of new diesel luxury cars and SUVs with an engine capacity of over 2000 cc in Delhi and National Capital Region. A bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur with Justices R Banumathi and A K Sikri said it is open to modifying its order. The court asked Delhi government, Environment Pollution Control Authority and taxi owners association to give a concrete road map for phasing out diesel taxis from NCR.<br/><br/>The apex court also indicated that all diesel cars, depending on their price and engine capacity, must pay one-time environment cess which would be determined after deliberations.<br/>The observation came after Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar said that diesel was not the only evil responsible for pollution and other fuels like CNG and petrol also pollute the environment. He said, petrol emits carbon monoxide, CNG vehicles release oxides of nitrogen, and diesel emits particulate matters, all of which are polluting agents.<br/><br/>He further said the Centre has initiated Make-in-India policy and automobile sector cannot be held responsible for pollution.<br/>Referring to the 2015 IIT-Kanpur study, the Solicitor General said that other sources of pollution like dust, stubble burning etc cannot be undermined which contribute significantly to pollution in the environment.

The Supreme Court today hinted at considering relaxation in its order banning registration of new diesel luxury cars and SUVs with an engine capacity of over 2000 cc in Delhi and National Capital Region. A bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur with Justices R Banumathi and A K Sikri said it is open to modifying its order. The court asked Delhi government, Environment Pollution Control Authority and taxi owners association to give a concrete road map for phasing out diesel taxis from NCR.<br/><br/>The apex court also indicated that all diesel cars, depending on their price and engine capacity, must pay one-time environment cess which would be determined after deliberations.<br/>The observation came after Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar said that diesel was not the only evil responsible for pollution and other fuels like CNG and petrol also pollute the environment. He said, petrol emits carbon monoxide, CNG vehicles release oxides of nitrogen, and diesel emits particulate matters, all of which are polluting agents.<br/><br/>He further said the Centre has initiated Make-in-India policy and automobile sector cannot be held responsible for pollution.<br/>Referring to the 2015 IIT-Kanpur study, the Solicitor General said that other sources of pollution like dust, stubble burning etc cannot be undermined which contribute significantly to pollution in the environment.