Amazon Gift Card

Supreme Court Decision: 10-Year-Old Diesel and Petrol Vehicles Banned? – Fact Check & Latest Update

by

Hello everyone! A viral claim is circulating that the Supreme Court of India has issued a new decision banning 10-year-old diesel vehicles and 15-year-old petrol vehicles nationwide from 2026. Many posts suggest this is a blanket ban on all such vehicles.

The Truth: There is no nationwide ban on 10-year-old diesel or 15-year-old petrol vehicles as of January 1, 2026. The rule applies only to Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region) and is focused on pollution control. The latest Supreme Court clarification (December 17, 2025) modified an earlier order to allow enforcement against vehicles below BS-IV emission standards (typically older than 10-15 years), while protecting BS-IV and higher compliant vehicles even if they exceed the age limit.

This is not a “new” nationwide decision – it’s an ongoing policy for Delhi-NCR air quality.

The Latest Supreme Court Order (December 2025)

  • Affected Vehicles: Diesel vehicles >10 years old and petrol vehicles >15 years old if they are BS-III or lower.
  • Exempted: Vehicles meeting BS-IV or higher standards (even if older than the age limit).
  • Location: Strictly Delhi-NCR (Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida, etc.).
  • Enforcement: Authorities can take action (impounding, fines, no fuel supply) against non-compliant vehicles.
  • Reason: Severe air pollution in NCR; older low-emission vehicles contribute significantly.

Background of the Rule

  • Originated from National Green Tribunal (NGT) order in 2015, upheld by Supreme Court in 2018.
  • Temporary relief in August 2025 paused coercive action.
  • December 2025 modification revived enforcement for polluting vehicles.

Nationwide Status

  • No all-India ban. Other states have voluntary scrappage policies or incentives, but no mandatory age-based nationwide prohibition.
  • Vehicle Scrappage Policy encourages scrapping old vehicles with incentives, but it’s voluntary.

What Vehicle Owners Should Do (Delhi-NCR)

  • Check your vehicle’s Bharat Stage (BS) compliance (on RC or manufacturer site).
  • If BS-IV or above: Safe to use.
  • If BS-III or lower: Risk of action – consider scrappage or upgrade.
  • Use certified scrapping facilities for incentives.

This rule aims to reduce pollution in one of India’s most affected regions, not a blanket national ban.

If you’re in Delhi-NCR, check your vehicle status! Comment your city for more specific advice. Stay informed!

Leave a Comment