The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the city government to provide information within four weeks regarding the status of the formulation and implementation of a policy for the release of seized end-of-life vehicles to their owners.
A bench of Justice Jasmeet Singh expressed concern over the frequent filing of petitions by aggrieved individuals due to the absence of a policy, emphasizing that while the government is addressing pollution issues, citizens should not be harassed simultaneously.
“This is troublesome. Don’t harass the citizens. Every day I have five petitions (on such seizure and non-release of vehicles),” remarked the judge.
On August 22, the high court, dealing with petitions against the seizure of end-of-life vehicles for violating orders restricting the use of petrol and diesel vehicles over 15 and 10 years old, respectively, directed their release. The court instructed the Delhi government to formulate a policy for handling such vehicles when owners commit to not using them in the national capital.
During the hearing, the Delhi government counsel informed the court that the policy was in its final stages and would be made public soon. The court directed the government to file the status of the policy within four weeks.
The order was issued in response to a contempt petition by the owner of a petrol car over 15 years old, described as a “family heritage.” The petitioner, Sushma Prasad, claimed that despite the release order, the authorities had not complied. The petitioner had given an undertaking that the vehicle would not run or be parked on public land.
The government counsel suggested that the petitioner approach the scrapper and collect the vehicle after paying towing charges, in accordance with the court’s directions. Justice Singh warned that if the vehicle is not released, contempt proceedings may be initiated.
