Diesel engines in the crosshairs: Bombay High Court’s call for cleaner transport

The Bombay High Court has entered the debate over Mumbai’s worsening air quality, suggesting significant measures that could have implications for the automotive industry. In a recent hearing, the court proposed the possibility of restricting diesel vehicles and emphasized the adoption of CNG and electric vehicles as part of a broader effort to tackle pollution in India’s financial capital.

The proposal came from a bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice GS Kulkarni, which is reviewing a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) initiated in 2023 to address the city's poor air quality. “Not to copy Delhi, but can we consider permitting only CNG-driven vehicles and phasing out diesel engines?” the bench remarked, according to The Bar and Bench.

The statement echoes moves seen in other cities like Delhi, which has implemented stringent restrictions on older diesel vehicles and promoted a transition to cleaner alternatives. Mumbai, however, faces unique challenges due to its dense population, coastal location, and heavy reliance on road transportation. The court’s suggestion, while still at the discussion stage, signals increasing judicial attention toward the role of vehicular emissions in urban pollution.

Diesel vehicles, which are widely used for both passenger and commercial transportation in India, are under growing scrutiny for their contribution to fine particulate matter  and nitrogen oxides  emissions. The automotive industry has already begun pivoting toward cleaner technologies in response to stricter government regulations, such as Bharat Stage VI (BSVI) emission norms introduced in 2020. However, a complete phasing out of diesel engines could significantly accelerate this transition, particularly in metropolitan regions.

The court also highlighted the role of electric vehicles (EVs) as a long-term solution. While EV adoption in India is gaining momentum, the transition faces hurdles such as insufficient charging infrastructure and high upfront costs, both of which could complicate the rapid implementation of such measures.

The court’s remarks come amid increasing public and regulatory focus on air quality in Indian cities, with Mumbai recently recording AQI levels that rival some of the world's most polluted urban centers. Alongside diesel vehicles, the court reportedly suggested measures targeting other pollution sources, such as coal-fired bakery kilns, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the crisis.

In reply, senior advocate Milind Sathe, appearing for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), reportedly  stated that notices have already been issued  to bakeries still operating coal and wood-fired bhattis.They have been instructed to switch to sustainable kilns within a year.