M C MEHTA Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) We have perused the letter from Shri Bhure Lal dated 3/1/2001 and heard the learned Amicus Curiae.

(2.) We do not agree that there is any ambiguity in our order dated 29/4/1998 with regard to diesel run vehicles being uses as taxis. Our directions of 29/4/1998 which were required to be strictly enforced inter alia were that unless diesel run vehicles, being used as taxis, conform to euro-II norms, the same shall not be registered in National Capital Region (NCR) , which impliedly meant that such taxis shall also not ply in the National Capital Region.

(3.) At the request of the learned Amicus, we reiterate that all diesel run vehicles, being used as taxis, must conform to Euro-II emission norms for plying in the National Capital region. The drivers of such taxis must carry a certificate from the concerned registration authority to the effect that the vehicle being used as a taxi conforms to Euro-II emission norms. That certificate shall be displayed on the windscreen or any other prominent part of the vehicle. Those diesel vehicles which do not conform to Euro-II norms shall not be plied as taxis and disobedience of this direction may lead to certain penal consequences, which may include confiscation of the vehicle, in case, there is an attempt to ply the same in the National Capital Region. This reiteration shall be prominently published both through the electronic as well as press media by the Union of India.