Car curbs misdirected, enforce pollution norms: PIL in Delhi HC

Just as the city chief minister announced the details of the second phase of odd-even scheme, a PIL was moved in the Delhi high court alleging that the AAP government has “maliciously misdirected themselves” to cut the number of vehicles on road instead of enforcing pollution control rules.

The petition, by NGO Campaign for People Participation in Development Planning, claimed that the rise in vehicle-generated air pollution in Delhi was due to “non-enforcement and non-implementation” of the 1988 Motor Vehicle Act, which prescribes punishment for driving a polluting vehicle.

The petition filed through advocate Anil Aggarwal claimed that pollution tests carried out at the checking centres were a “sham” and pollution-under control (PUC) certificates were being “casually issued” with the knowledge of the government and its agencies.

“Instead of checking vehicles and stopping the offending vehicles from being driven on road, the respondents, who are guilty of dereliction of duty on their part to enforce and implement Section 190, maliciously misdirected themselves to cut the number of vehicle on road by prohibiting even and odd numbered vehicles from being driven on alternate days, in manner and terms contrary to the very object and purpose of the Act,” the petition, which named the Centre and the lieutenant-governor as respondents, said.

It claimed that such action also “impinges on fundamental rights of the people.”

On Thursday, the AAP government announced the second phase of the odd-even scheme of vehicle rationing from April 15 to 30.

The NGO said, “Continued failure of the respondents in enforcing Section 190 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, vehicle-generated air pollution level has gravely risen in past years, endangering health and life of the people of the capital.”