New Delhi: Delhi High Court has declined to expedite the hearing on a plea challenging Delhi govt’s decision to bar the entry of non-BS VI vehicles registered outside the capital from Nov 1.The petition was mentioned before Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma Friday for urgent listing. However, the bench said no grounds had been made out for immediate intervention.“No, sorry. There is nothing wrong in it, nothing urgent,” the bench observed.The petitioner’s counsel argued that the decision would affect a large number of people commuting to Delhi from NCR cities, as vehicles not compliant with BS VI emission standards would not be allowed to enter the capital from Nov 1.The court, however, noted that alternative modes of transport were available. The petition will now be taken up in the ordinary course after procedural objections are cleared.Meanwhile, Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) has written to Acting Chief Justice, seeking intervention with Delhi govt to exempt judges, lawyers and court staff from the proposed restrictions.In a letter dated Oct 30, DHCBA president N Hariharan said many lawyers commute daily from neighbouring NCR cities such as Noida, Gurgaon and Ghaziabad because housing in Delhi has become increasingly expensive.The association argued that judges, lawyers and court staff are engaged in the essential function of administering justice and should therefore be exempt from the restrictions. Hariharan urged Acting Chief Justice to take up the matter with Delhi govt to ensure members of the judiciary and legal fraternity can commute without facing the proposed curbs.According to transport department estimates, more than 10 lakh vehicles in Gurgaon, Faridabad, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad could be affected by Delhi govt’s decision to prohibit the entry of vehicles below BS VI emission standards from Nov 1, 2026, to Jan 31, 2027.The directive applies to BS IV passenger cars and commercial goods vehicles registered outside Delhi. Two-wheelers have been exempted.Under the advisory, BS VI, CNG and electric vehicles will continue to be allowed entry into the capital, subject to applicable rules and exemptions.The restrictions come as Delhi and the wider NCR continue to grapple with severe air pollution, with vehicular emissions remaining a major contributor to the capital’s pollution burden.
