While several citizens in Delhi have faced action over end-of-life petrol and diesel vehicles, the Delhi Police itself appears to be violating the same rules it is meant to enforce.
An RTI response received by Newslaundry from the Delhi Police has revealed that 312 vehicles in the police fleet are beyond their permitted age limit: 93 petrol vehicles are over 15 years old and 219 diesel vehicles are over 10 years old.
Such vehicles have been banned in the city for a decade, in line with a 2015 order by the National Green Tribunal and the 2018 guidelines issued by the Supreme Court. The implementation of this ban had not been possible due to the absence of identification technology. Last week, the government announced a ban on refuelling of such vehicles, but it was suspended within three days due to “technical” reasons amid public criticism.
According to the VAHAN database, there are reportedly around 62 lakh ELVs in Delhi – 41 lakh two-wheelers, 18 lakh four-wheelers, and the rest comprising goods carriers and commercial vehicles.
Special CP (Traffic) Ajay Chaudhary stated that more than 18,000 old vehicles have been impounded since January 1, 2025, under various drives. But when asked about action taken under the July 1 policy, he said “there’s no point in discussing it now” since “the policy itself has changed”.
Chaudhary said that vehicles impounded during the period the now-halted policy was enforced can be released within 15 days after paying a fine and may be transferred outside Delhi upon obtaining a No Objection Certificate.
The controversy over the policy has triggered a demand for uniform rules for vehicles across India. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has said that her government will urge the Supreme Court to allow uniform rules on overage vehicles. The remarks came after Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena wrote to her saying it is “irrational” to imagine that a 10-year-old diesel vehicle has reached its end of life in Delhi while remaining roadworthy and lawful in any other city under the same law.
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