DHCBA Seeks BS-VI Vehicle Ban Exemption for Legal Staff

Legal fraternity cites essential service and commuting challenges

The Bar Association argues that the ban hinders the functioning of the judiciary and the legal profession. The association stated that judges, lawyers, and court staff perform the essential service of administering justice.

Members rely on personal vehicles for their court duties because public transport is insufficient for timely appearances. The association said the ban would affect the efficiency of court proceedings and the safety of legal professionals.

Many lawyers, judges, and court staff commute to Delhi from neighboring cities like Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad. According to DHCBA President N Hariharan, residential accommodation in the national capital has grown costly and beyond the reach of numerous members of the legal fraternity.

N Hariharan urges intervention for judiciary

DHCBA President and Senior Advocate N Hariharan signed the exemption request. He urged the Lieutenant Governor to intervene to protect the legal fraternity from the restrictions.

The association also asked the Acting Chief Justice to take up the request with the Delhi government. This action aims to ensure the judiciary and legal fraternity can commute without facing the proposed restrictions.

Delhi Police to enforce vehicle restrictions under GRAP

The ban on vehicles that do not meet BS‑VI standards will begin on 1 November, and the Delhi Police Traffic Department has been given authority to impound any non‑compliant vehicle found operating in the capital.

The enforcement will be carried out under the revised Graded Response Action Plan, or GRAP, which the Delhi Traffic Police announced will become effective on 1 November.

Under GRAP, vehicles that are BS‑VI‑compliant, run on CNG, are electric or otherwise exempted will be permitted entry, subject to applicable rules.

Vehicles lacking BS‑VI compliance or a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate will face entry restrictions.

The plan also bars non‑compliant interstate buses from entering Delhi.

Vehicles not bound for the national capital are required to utilize peripheral expressways rather than driving into the city.

Association highlights history of vehicle emission standards

It was noted by the Delhi High Court Bar Association that BS‑VI emission standards were initially implemented in Delhi in 2020.

It added that vehicles meeting earlier standards were allowed to run for their full lifespans—ten years for diesel and fifteen years for petrol—before the new ban takes effect, and the association is seeking a temporary exemption until alternative arrangements are made.