The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to the Centre to implement a star-rating system for vehicles aimed at promoting eco-friendly choices and curbing air pollution.
A bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran observed that the issue squarely falls within the executive’s policy-making domain and does not warrant judicial interference.
“Since the matter falls in the domain of the State, we are not inclined to interfere. However, the petitioner can make a representation to the Union of India, which will be considered on its own merits,” the bench said.
The PIL, filed by Sanjay Kulshresthra, sought the implementation of a nationwide vehicle star-rating system to help consumers identify less-polluting vehicles and encourage manufacturers to adopt cleaner technologies. Kulshresthra, who appeared in person, argued that such a mechanism would significantly cut vehicular emissions and related health risks.
He pointed out that several developed nations already have similar systems in place and that India’s own framework, the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP), has remained in draft form since July 2023.
“It already exists in most developed countries. A Gazette notification is there, but it has not come out of the paper for the last 10 years,” he told the court.
The petitioner also highlighted the public health crisis linked to vehicular pollution, claiming that air pollution is responsible for nearly 21 lakh deaths annually in India. He alleged that fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) from vehicles is a major contributor to respiratory diseases and even birth defects.
While acknowledging the petitioner’s concern over the health impacts of pollution, the bench maintained that policy implementation and regulatory frameworks are decisions best left to the government. It granted the petitioner the liberty to make a formal representation to the Union government for consideration.
