National Green Tribunal: In an application seeking implementation of star rating system for passenger vehicles based on fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions, a 3-member bench comprising of Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson), Arun Kumar Tyagi (Judicial Member), JJ., and Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member), issued notice to respondents to file their response by affidavit.
In the instant matter, the applicant seeks the introduction of a star rating system for all passenger vehicles, focusing on their fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. The applicant argued that vehicular pollution significantly contributes to air pollution, and as per the Ministry of Earth Sciences, vehicular emission is responsible for 40% of such air pollution. The applicant urged to implement the star rating system in India to reduce pollution and enhance environmental awareness.
The applicant referred to a draft notification dated 07-01-2016, issued by the Ministry of Road, Transport, and Highways, which invited objections to amend the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, by incorporating a star rating system for vehicles. The applicant emphasised that many developed countries has already introduced such a star rating system and developing countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore has implemented it.
The NGT noted that the counsel for respondent 4, accepted the notice in advance and requested four weeks to file a reply. The NGT directed the applicant to provide a complete set of documents to respondent 4 within three days.
Th NGT issued notice to other respondents and directed them to file their responses/replies by way of affidavits at least one week before the next hearing. The NGT directed the applicant to serve the other respondents and submit an affidavit of service at least one week before the next hearing. The NGT listed the case for the next hearing on 10-01-2025.
[Tsunami on Roads v. Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, Original Application No. 638/2024, Decided on 20-09-2024]
Advocates who appeared in this case:
Dr. Sanjay Kulshresthra, Applicant in Person
Mr. Jitendra Bharti, Counsel for the Respondent 4
