Order
1. We have perused the letter from Shri Bhure Lal dated 3-1-2001 and heard the learned amicus curiae.
2. We do not agree that there is any ambiguity in our order dated 29-4-1998 with regard to diesel-run vehicles being used as taxis. Our directions of 29-4-1998 which were required to be strictly enforced inter alia were that unless diesel-run vehicles, being used as taxis, conform to Euro II norms, the same shall not be registered in the National Capital Region (NCR), which impliedly meant that such taxis shall also not ply in the National Capital Region.
3. At the request of the learned amicus, we reiterate that all diesel-run vehicles, being used as taxis, must conform to Euro II emission norms for plying in the National Capital Region. The drivers of such taxis must carry a certificate from the registration authority concerned to the effect that the vehicle being used as a taxi conforms to Euro II emission norms. That certificate shall be displayed on the windscreen or any other prominent part of the vehicle. Those diesel vehicles which do not conform to Euro II norms shall not be plied as taxis and disobedience of this direction may lead to certain penal consequences, which may include confiscation of the vehicle, in case, there is an attempt to ply the same in the National Capital Region. This reiteration shall be prominently published both through the electronic as well as press media by the Union of India.
4. On 28-7-1998, we directed the Government of Delhi to implement the following orders:
(i) No 8-year-old bus to ply except on CNG or other clean fuels by 1-4-2000.
(ii) Entire city bus fleet (DTC and private) to be steadily converted to single-fuel mode on CNG by 31-3-2001.
5. As regards direction (ii), we are informed that some steps have been taken to convert the city bus fleet (DTC) by placing orders with Ashok Leyland and TELCO and that some CNG buses are already operating while some more are likely to be made available in the next 4 weeks. Time is running out. More than two-and-a-half years have gone by. The State must act fast. Mr K.N Raval, learned ASG appearing for the Government of Delhi submits that they have already put private operators to notice also to comply with the aforesaid directions of this Court by converting their vehicles to single-fuel mode.
6. The Delhi Transport Corporation has filed IAs Nos. 82 and 83 for certain directions. These two applications shall be listed on 16-2-2001 at 2.00 p.m On that day, the Delhi Government shall also place on record the status report of steps taken towards implementation of the directions issued by us on 28-7-1998 (supra). Mr F.S Nariman, learned Senior Counsel appearing for TELCO and Mr Shri Narain, learned counsel appearing for Ashok Leyland, may also file applications and give its advance copy to Mr Raval, learned ASG indicating the assistance TELCO and Ashok Leyland can offer for conversion of the entire city bus fleet (DTC and private) to single-fuel mode of CNG. Let those applications be filed within one week and advance copy furnished to Mr Raval, learned ASG. Applications, if any, filed by TELCO and Ashok Leyland shall also be listed along with IAs Nos. 82 and 83 on 16-2-2001.
7. On 16-2-2001, when the applications are listed together with the status report to be filed by the Delhi Government, as indicated in the earlier part of the order, 7th, 8th and 9th reports of Bhure Lal Committee shall also be put up for further consideration.
8. On 10-5-2000, while disposing of IA No. 54, we had permitted registration of CNG-kit-fitted commercial vehicles which have dual-fuel mode facility with petrol tanks with capacities mentioned against three categories of vehicles. After going through the report of Bhure Lal Committee and hearing learned amicus curiae, it appears appropriate to us to delete the limitation of petrol tanks as mentioned in that order with the result that commercial vehicles with CNG kit may use petrol also.
9. From the submissions made before us, we find that there is great inadequacy of CNG stations in the National Capital Region. It is desirable to increase CNG supply outlets. The Union of India and the Gas Authority shall consider the feasibility of providing a CNG outlet at every petrol pump. In the meanwhile, urgent steps shall be taken to increase the number of CNG supply outlets, as the existing number of outlets is not sufficient to cater to the demand even of those CNG-fitted vehicles which are plying on road today. The latest status report about the number of CNG supply outlets shall be filed within two weeks and shall also be put up for consideration on 16-2-2001.