Justice Surya Kant’s bench noted that there are better, higher-end electric cars available in the market now than in 2020. Therefore, the government should consider a phased ban on similar-grade petrol and diesel cars.
Supreme Court has asked the central government to make efforts to increase the use of electric vehicles. Hearing a case on Thursday, the Supreme Court urged the central government to revise its 2020 electric vehicle policy to reflect technological and market changes. The court also suggested that a pilot project could be conducted in metropolitan areas as part of a new policy.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi commended the government, saying the Centre had done a good job under the National Electric Mobility Mission plan, but the policy now needed to be revised to suit the future and current realities. The bench said, “The government needs to reconsider its policy. It has undergone several changes over the past few years, and it could be implemented through a pilot project starting in a metropolitan city.”
Attorney General R. Venkataraman, representing the central government, informed the court that an inter-ministerial group comprising 13 central ministries is already studying the feasibility and various aspects of adopting electric vehicles. He assured the court that a decision on the policy on electric vehicles would be taken soon.
Justice Surya Kant, addressing the issue, said that high-end electric cars are now available in the market. Therefore, the government should consider phasing out large petrol and diesel vehicles in this category. The bench said, “We are not experts, but the idea is that very good cars have now arrived in the market when it comes to electric vehicles. Very high-end VIPs still use these diesel-powered cars. Consider a phased ban on these cars so that it does not impact the common man.” Presenting the government’s position on this, the Attorney General said that the government is ready to consider the issue. The government is in favor of it.
