Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai. The Supreme Court has advised the central government to reconsider its electric vehicle policy while hearing a public interest litigation that seeks stronger measures to reduce emissions from fossil-fuel vehicles. During the latest hearing, the bench indicated that several policy elements need fresh evaluation, especially since the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 is now five years old. The court suggested that early adoption steps should begin in the country’s biggest metros to accelerate the shift toward cleaner transport.
Supreme Court calls for policy reconsideration
A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice J. B. Pardiwala heard the matter and orally recommended that the government review the existing NEMMP framework. The court said that upgrading the policy could help address urgent environmental concerns, especially rising air pollution in major urban centres. The judges also said that a pilot project in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru would provide practical insights into EV adoption and infrastructure needs.
Origins and intent of the 2019 PIL
The PIL was filed in 2019 by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, Common Cause and the Sitaram Jindal Foundation. It argued that vehicular emissions were aggravating air pollution and climate change, turning major cities into what the petitioners described as gas chambers. The petitioners claimed that inaction by the government was violating citizens’ right to clean air under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
Key demands placed before the court
The petition has sought the implementation of several pending recommendations from the Ministry of Heavy Industries’ NEMMP 2012 and NITI Aayog’s 2018 report on zero-emission vehicles. It demanded rebates on EV purchases, tax benefits, a shift to electric vehicles in government fleets, mandatory charging points, and a feebate system that imposes fees on polluting vehicles while offering subsidies for EVs. Incentives for private charging infrastructure, toll and parking concessions and a stronger push for hydrogen vehicles were also included.
Court’s earlier observations and today’s arguments
In 2020, the Supreme Court noted that the issue affected the entire country and sought detailed assistance from the parties on EV procurement, charging facilities and alternative power sources. At the latest hearing, advocate Prashant Bhushan argued that high upfront costs were discouraging buyers and that incentives and charging stations were urgently needed. Justice Kant suggested using existing petrol pumps and bus depots as charging points. Attorney General R. Venkataramani said that a complete transition required major policy decisions and multiple ministries, but agreed to present an updated status.
Next steps and details of the EV mission plan
The court has listed the matter for a hearing after four weeks, directing the government to submit notifications and a progress report. The Attorney General said that 13 ministries are working together on EV-related programmes. The NEMMP, launched in 2012 and upgraded for the 2020 horizon, aims to boost electric and hybrid vehicles through subsidies, tax relief, public procurement and investment in battery technology and charging infrastructure.
Seven key pointers
- Supreme Court asks government to review outdated EV policy.
- Suggests pilot EV projects in major metro cities.
- PIL filed in 2019 over rising vehicle-based pollution.
- Petitioners allege violation of citizens’ right to clean air.
- Demands include rebates, tax relief, charging points and feebate system.
- Court earlier sought details on EV procurement and charging network.
- Government to submit all updates within four weeks.
