The Supreme Court of India declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the introduction of a star rating system for vehicles across the country based on their fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions, aimed at curbing vehicular pollution.
The plea was filed by Dr. Sanjay Kulshresthra, a pediatric surgeon, who appeared in person and emphasized the urgent need to implement a vehicle star-rating system like those operating in many developed and Asian countries. The petitioner argued that such a rating would enable consumers to make eco-friendly vehicle choices, ultimately reducing air pollution and related health hazards.
The plea also referenced the pending Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP), India’s version of the Global New Car Assessment Programme (G-NCAP), which has been in draft form since July 2023 without implementation.
Despite these submissions, the Bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran held that the issue involves policy decisions that fall within the exclusive domain of the executive and statutory authorities. The Court expressed its reluctance to interfere judicially in regulatory and policy matters, advising the petitioner to direct his representations to the appropriate government authorities.