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

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

The Court, finding continued inaction by the authorities despite repeated directions and the acute need to arrest growing air pollution due to vehicular emissions in Delhi, approved and mandated time-bound implementation of the measures proposed by the Bhure Lal Committee, warning that failure will result in contempt action.

Parties
Petitioner: M.C. Mehta; Respondents: Union of India and Ors.
Jurisdiction
India
Judgment Date
28 July 1998
Procedural Posture
Writ Petition (civil) No. 13029 of 1986 Etc. / Order on Ongoing Proceedings; Directions Issued; Petition Still Pending
Outcome
Directions issued for immediate compliance with time-bound measures to control vehicular pollution; approval of Bhure Lal Committee recommendations; failure to comply will invite contempt proceedings; petition remains pending.
Legal Topics
Vehicular Pollution, Air Quality, Implementation of Environmental Measures, Judicial Directions
Environmental Law Public Interest Litigation Vehicular Pollution Air Quality Implementation of Environmental Measures Judicial Directions

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Parties

M.C. Mehta

Petitioner

Union of India and Ors.

Respondents

Procedural Posture

Writ Petition (civil) No. 13029 of 1986 Etc. / Order on Ongoing Proceedings; Directions Issued; Petition Still Pending

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Failure of State Administration to control vehicular pollution in Delhi
  2. 2 Implementation of time-bound measures to reduce air pollution

Ratio Decidendi

The Court, finding continued inaction by the authorities despite repeated directions and the acute need to arrest growing air pollution due to vehicular emissions in Delhi, approved and mandated time-bound implementation of the measures proposed by the Bhure Lal Committee, warning that failure will result in contempt action.

Court Disposition

Directions issued for immediate compliance with time-bound measures to control vehicular pollution; approval of Bhure Lal Committee recommendations; failure to comply will invite contempt proceedings; petition remains pending.

Orders

  • Restrict plying of commercial vehicles including taxis older than 15 years by 2nd October 1998.
  • Strict enforcement of restriction on plying goods vehicles during daytime by 15th August 1998.