Supreme Court Bar Association seeks vehicle exemptions in Delhi

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has requested intervention from the Supreme Court administration regarding upcoming vehicle restrictions in Delhi. The measures, scheduled to take effect from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027, prohibit vehicles that do not meet BS-VI emission standards from entering the capital to combat winter pollution.

SCBA Honorary Secretary Pragya Baghel stated that the restrictions could cause significant hardship for advocates, particularly junior lawyers, who commute daily from neighboring regions such as Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gurugram in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The association warned that these limitations could disrupt the administration of justice by hindering the ability of lawyers to attend court proceedings.

The SCBA has urged the Supreme Court Registry to engage with the Delhi Government and relevant authorities to secure exemptions or relaxations for legal professionals. While the current plan exempts electric and CNG vehicles as well as emergency services, the Bar Association argues that advocates require similar considerations to fulfill their professional obligations.