Delhi High Court Bar Association Seeks Exemption from Non‑BS‑IV Vehicle Ban

The Delhi High Court Bar Association (HCB Association) has filed a petition seeking relief from the enforcement of Delhi’s non‑BS‑IV vehicle restriction. The association argues that the ban, which targets older, higher‑emitting vehicles, imposes undue hardship on its members who rely on such vehicles for daily commuting and court‑related duties.
Delhi’s environmental authorities introduced the non‑BS‑IV ban earlier this year as part of a broader effort to curb air pollution in the capital. Under the rule, vehicles that do not comply with Bharat Stage IV emission norms are prohibited from operating within the city limits.
The association’s petition requests that the court grant an exemption or a phased implementation for bar members, citing the need to maintain uninterrupted access to courts and legal offices. The matter is now before the Delhi High Court, which will consider the legal and environmental implications before delivering a verdict.
If granted, the exemption could set a precedent for other professional groups seeking similar relief, while critics warn it may undermine the city’s pollution‑control objectives.