Delhi High Court Dismisses PIL Against Auto Festival Over Lack of Pollution Data

The Delhi High Court has refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) that claimed an upcoming automobile festival would worsen air pollution in the national capital.

The PIL challenged the proposed “Burnout City India” event, scheduled to be held on January 17 at the NSIC Exhibition Ground. The event includes vehicle displays, stunt and drift zones, and music performances.

A Division Bench led by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia observed that the petition was based only on assumptions and did not provide any scientific or technical data to support the claim that the event would increase air or noise pollution.

The petitioner argued that organising such an event would violate GRAP norms and lead to higher fuel consumption, which could affect air quality in nearby areas. It was also claimed that vehicle stunts could raise pollution levels, particularly PM2.5 and PM10.

However, the Court questioned the petitioner on whether there was any scientific evidence to support these allegations. When no concrete data was presented, the Bench remarked that courts cannot act on mere speculation.

The Court also pointed out that if the event violates air quality norms, the appropriate authority to approach would be the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Since the petitioner had not approached CAQM, the Court declined to examine the issue further.

During the hearing, the counsel representing the Delhi Pollution Control Board informed the Court that the Board had not granted permission for the event, and that approval may fall under the jurisdiction of the local authority or land-owning body.

Without going into the merits of the case, the High Court disposed of the PIL and directed the concerned District Magistrate to look into the grievances raised by the petitioner and take action if required under law.

The case was titled Hemant Jain & Anr. v. Union of India & Ors.