Diesel car ban in Delhi extended

The Supreme Court of India has extended the ban on the sale of large capacity diesel cars in Delhi till the end of April. The three-judge bench led by the Chief Justice of India, TS Thakur, said that it would lift the ban only if carmakers agree to a one-time environment cess.

There is a ban on the sale of 2000cc and above diesel cars in Delhi since December to combat pollution in the capital city. The ban was originally implemented till March 31, when the issue was to be discussed again. At the today’s hearing, the bench has decided to extend the ban till the next hearing – though the date for the same has not been announced as yet.

The bench also said that it would lift the ban if the car manufacturers are willing to pay a one-time tax in the range of 25 to 30 per cent, as compensation at the time of registering the vehicle. The ban of high capacity diesel vehicles mainly affects Tata, Mahindra, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz and few other luxury car manufacturers.