Auto manufacturers appeals to Supreme Court to give them more time to convert to BS-VI emission norms; currently the norm is scheduled to be implemented from 1st April, 2020
Indian automobile industry is bound to meet the new and more stringent BS-VI emission norm from 1st April, 2020. But the auto manufacturers find it difficult to convert to the new emission norm from 2019, which is the time they have to start producing BS-VI vehicles if the deadline remains unchanged. The automakers have told the Supreme Court that they will have huge technical issues if they have to start producing the BS-VI compliant vehicles from 2019.
SIAM has also argued at the apex court that if the Indian government wants to discourage people from buying diesel vehicles, then they should equate the price of two types of fuel. It has also said that the government should not ask for tax from buyers while purchasing diesel vehicle.
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Supreme Court has fixed the next hearing on the matter on 1st May and government is asked to file a reply on the EPCA report then. Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) has stated in a report that the automakers in the country need to start BS-VI compliant vehicles in order to start selling those from 1st April, 2020. Now, it is to be seen what the Supreme Court says on the matter during the next hearing.
Few days back, on 29th March this year, the apex court banned the registration of BS-III vehicles across the country from 1st April. Due to that, the automakers rushed to clear out their stock of old BS-III vehicles and offered huge discount. It cost the entire auto industry a hefty amount of loss. However, Supreme Court said in its ruling that people’s health is far more important than the commercial interests of the auto manufacturers.
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Government of India is taking various steps to curb the alarmingly rising pollution level across the country, specially in big metro cities. Making the new and more stringent BS-VI emission norm is one of them. Apart from that, government is also encouraging the sales of electric, hybrid vehicles in the country.