There has been widespread misinformation suggesting that the 10-year ban on diesel vehicles and the 15-year ban on petrol vehicles across Delhi-NCR have been lifted. This is not accurate. The confusion stems from the Delhi government’s recent announcement requesting the Centre’s Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to pause the enforcement of the fuel ban on end-of-life vehicles within Delhi due to significant public backlash and technical hurdles, particularly with the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system.
Some social media posts incorrectly claimed that the entire NCR ban on older cars had been revoked. In reality, the age-based ban remains in place across the NCR, except for the temporary pause on the fuel ban.
No relief for 10-year-old diesel vehicles
With the Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stating that he has asked the CAQM to put the fuel ban on end-of-life vehicles “on hold with immediate effect”, many misunderstood this request. The Delhi government is shelving the End-of-Life (EOL) vehicles ban temporarily, but this does not impact the scrapping of 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles. This confusion was created on social media when a post suggested the Delhi government might relax this ban on older vehicles.
A handle on X, Dharma Party of India (@DharmaPartyInd) stated, Ban on 10-15 year old cars has been lifted by Delhi govt. But this is only half battle won! In last 2 years, authorities seized or scrapped 1000s of cars forcibly. Govt must return them or provide fair compensation. Our fight won’t stop until justice is done to middle class!”
Another handle on X was quick to correct the earlier post by saying, “Dear Sir, they have not lifted the ban its status quo which means 10 year old diesel or 15 year petrol vehicle cannot run on Delhi road. They are not even giving NOC to those who wants to re-register in other states. Please raise it don’t let it die”.
Delhi’s 10-year diesel ban explained
In 2015, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned all diesel vehicles older than 10 years from operating in Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region). This ban was part of the NGT’s efforts to address the deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR. What this meant was that vehicles exceeding the age limit could not be registered in the NCR and were prohibited from plying on the roads. If found operating then these vehicles could be seized, fined, and sent for scrapping.
In October 2024, a Supreme Court hearing fueled speculation when it allowed an applicant to challenge the ban’s retrospective application, leading some to believe the policy might be relaxed. However, the court only permitted the applicant to submit a representation to the Delhi government, not a ruling to lift or modify the ban. Both the NGT and Supreme Court have consistently upheld the ban since 2015, emphasizing its critical role in reducing vehicular emissions, which contribute 51% to Delhi’s pollution. As of July 4, 2025, no official policy changes have been announced, and the ban remains in full effect.