M. C.MEHTA versus UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

M. C.MEHTA versus UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

The sale and registration of vehicles not compliant with Bharat Stage IV emission norms are prohibited from 1 April 2017, regardless of accumulated stock, due to the paramount importance of public health and the nation's right to breathe less polluted air under Article 21. A purposive interpretation is mandated over a literal one in matters affecting public health.

Parties
Petitioner: M. C. Mehta; Respondents: Union of India & Ors.
Jurisdiction
India
Judgment Date
13 April 2017
Procedural Posture
Writ Petition (civil) / Final Disposition of I.as. in Writ Petition
Outcome
Intervention applications by manufacturers dismissed; prohibition on sale and registration of non-BS-IV compliant vehicles from 1 April 2017 affirmed.
Legal Topics
Air Pollution, Vehicular Emissions, Interpretation of Statutes, Right to Life
Constitutional Law Environmental Law Administrative Law Air Pollution Vehicular Emissions Interpretation of Statutes Right to Life

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Parties

M. C. Mehta

Petitioner

Union of India & Ors.

Respondents

Procedural Posture

Writ Petition (civil) / Final Disposition of I.as. in Writ Petition

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether vehicles not compliant with Bharat Stage IV emission standards may be sold or registered in India after 1 April 2017
  2. 2 Whether notifications relating to vehicular emissions should be interpreted literally or purposively, considering public health

Ratio Decidendi

The sale and registration of vehicles not compliant with Bharat Stage IV emission norms are prohibited from 1 April 2017, regardless of accumulated stock, due to the paramount importance of public health and the nation's right to breathe less polluted air under Article 21. A purposive interpretation is mandated over a literal one in matters affecting public health.

Court Disposition

Intervention applications by manufacturers dismissed; prohibition on sale and registration of non-BS-IV compliant vehicles from 1 April 2017 affirmed.

Orders

  • On and from 1st April, 2017, vehicles that are not BS-IV compliant shall not be sold in India by any manufacturer or dealer.
  • All vehicle registering authorities are prohibited from registering vehicles that do not meet BS-IV emission standards from 1st April, 2017, except those already sold before 31st March, 2017.