SC dismisses Bajaj's plea against Delhi govt, says electric auto necessary to reduce pollution

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The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea filed by Bajaj Auto challenging the Delhi government's decision to issue over 4,261 new permits only to e-autorickshaws. A Bench headed by Justice L Nageswara Rao said the advertisement issued by the Delhi government inviting applications for electric-autorickshaws cannot be said to be arbitrary as it is in conformity with the FAME-II scheme and the Electric Vehicle policy 2020.

Citing how locals in Delhi are adversely affected by air pollution, the bench said even though CNG auto-rickshaws are BS-VI compliant, there is still some carbon emission. Bajaj Auto approached the apex court stating that the Delhi government's move was arbitrary and discriminatory against those who manufacture CNG auto rickshaws.

Delhi government has opposed the plea of Bajaj Auto saying CNG auto rickshaws cannot be compared to e-autos and there is a proposal to switch to electric vehicles with a view to decarbonise the transport sector.

Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director, Bajaj Auto said, “CNG-powered 3-wheelers have been built with cleaner technology and have low emissions, meeting stringent BS6 emission norms. In addition, they have many inherent strengths like lower total cost of operation, proven and reliable technology, and high range in each fill. Therefore, it is not a surprise that lakhs of customers have adopted this technology already.” 

"Bajaj Auto respects the honourable Court’s decision but hopes that in the future, CNG will also be considered as an alternate fuel at par with electric vehicles," Bajaj mentioned in a press release.

With inputs from PTI