Delhi High Court Refuses To Stay Restrictions On Non-BS-VI Vehicles Registered Outside Delhi

The Delhi High Court on Monday declined to suspend the capital’s restrictions on vehicles registered outside Delhi that fail to meet BS-VI emission standards.

Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma, sitting on a division bench, issued notice on the challenge to the government’s notification.

The judges ordered the petition to be heard alongside another pending case and fixed November 27 for the next hearing.

The petitioner described the restrictions as discriminatory and arbitrary. It submitted that non-BS-VI vehicles registered in Delhi could continue operating, while vehicles meeting similar emission standards but registered elsewhere would face exclusion.

The plea maintained that the policy contravened Article 14 of the Constitution.

According to the petitioner, authorities should distinguish vehicles based on their emissions, not their state of registration.

Delhi introduced the restrictions on November 1 to address pollution during winter. The rules will remain effective until January 31, 2027.

The government has exempted BS-VI-compliant vehicles, electric vehicles and CNG-powered vehicles.

Ambulances, fire engines and certain vehicles serving essential functions will remain permitted.

Transport Department estimates indicate that over 10 lakh vehicles across Delhi-NCR—including Noida, Greater Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad and Ghaziabad—fall short of BS-VI emission standards.

The policy could affect numerous people travelling to Delhi for employment, business and other activities.

Authorities plan to tighten checks at entry points and introduce Artificial Intelligence-enabled Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. These systems will help detect potentially restricted vehicles and verify compliance, particularly on roads linking Delhi with neighbouring cities.

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