Supreme Court Declines Plea for Star-Rating of Vehicles to Curb Air Pollution
The Supreme Court has refused to entertain a public interest petition seeking directions for the introduction of a star-rating system for vehicles aimed at reducing air pollution in India.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran was hearing a writ petition filed by Dr. Sanjay Kulshresthra, who appeared in person. He argued that the implementation of such a system would help citizens make informed choices by preferring eco-friendly vehicles, thereby reducing pollution-related deaths.
Dr. Kulshresthra pointed out that several developed countries already follow a similar system, and that a Gazette notification regarding India’s own Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP) has existed for over a decade without full implementation. Currently, India follows the Global New Car Assessment Programme (G-NCAP), while the BNCAP draft procedure has been pending since July 2023.
He further highlighted that vehicular emissions significantly contribute to air pollution, leading to severe health effects, including birth defects. He cited data claiming that around 21 lakh people die every year in India due to air pollution, with 60% of deaths attributed to particulate matter (PM 2.5) emitted from vehicles.
However, the Supreme Court declined to intervene, noting that the issue falls within the policy domain of the government. The Court permitted the petitioner to submit a representation to the Union of India, which may consider the matter on its merits.
Case Title: Sanjay Kulshresthra v. Union of India
Case No.: W.P.(C) No. 834/2025
