SC bans diesel cabs in Delhi NCR from 1 May

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Saturday refused to extend the deadline for diesel operated taxis in the national capital region to convert to CNG fuel to curb air pollution.

The ruling by a bench comprising chief Justice T.S. Thakur, justices A.K. Sikri and R. Banumathi, effectively means that no diesel operated taxis can ply on Delhi streets from 1 May.

On 16 December, the apex court had made it mandatory for taxis to shift to CNG fuel, doubled entry tax of trucks into the city and took 10-year-old commercial vehicles powered by diesel off the city’s roads.

All taxis including Ola, Uber and such services plying under city permits were asked to start using clean CNG fuel before 31 March.

On Saturday, the court also heard pleas by luxury auto makers seeking a modification of an order restraining the registration of sports utility vehicles and private diesel-run vehicles above 2,000 cc engine capacity.

The case will be heard next on 9 May.