The Delhi High Court on Friday exempted advocates and judicial staff residing in the National Capital Region (NCR) from the restriction on entry of vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not comply with BS-VI emission standards. The exemption will remain applicable only on working days of the Court.

Justice Amit Mahajan passed the order on a petition filed by the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA), seeking relaxation of the restrictions for lawyers and court staff who commute to Delhi from neighbouring NCR cities, including Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad.

The Association submitted that a large number of members of the legal fraternity reside outside Delhi and depend on their personal vehicles to attend court proceedings and discharge their professional duties. It argued that the restrictions could affect their ability to reach court on time and disrupt the administration of justice.

Senior Advocate N. Hariharan, appearing for the Association, submitted that lawyers and judicial staff perform essential functions in the justice delivery system. He also pointed out that the government had the power to exempt specific categories of vehicles under the existing notification.

The DHCBA had sought an exemption for advocates travelling to Delhi for professional work during the period from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027. It had proposed that each eligible advocate be permitted to use one nominated vehicle, subject to verification of professional identity, vehicle documents and a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate.

The restriction forms part of the Delhi Government’s measures to curb vehicular pollution during the winter months. Under the notification, vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards are prohibited from entering the national capital, subject to specified exemptions.

The High Court’s detailed order is awaited