The Supreme Court on Monday relaxed its order banning diesel-run taxis with all-India permits, which are frequently used by BPO employees, The Times of India reported. The court was hearing petitions by the Centre and industry body National Association of Software and Services Companies, or Nasscom. They had argued that the court’s decision to ban diesel taxis had hit the BPO sector, as diesel cabs were used to pick up and drop employees. The petitioners claimed these companies would consider moving out of the city if the ban were to continue.
While the court acceded to Nasscom’s plea, it said the ban on the registration of diesel cars will continue in the National Capital Region, News18 reported. It also asked for a concrete plan on how diesel taxis would be phased out.
The court had in December cracked down on diesel vehicles in the Capital, which has been battling alarming air pollution levels. On April 30, it refused to extend the deadline for diesel taxis to convert to CNG. Diesel taxis have thus not been plying in the region since May 1.
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