The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the introduction of a star-rating system for vehicles across India aimed at reducing air pollution and related health hazards, as per a report by IANS.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran observed that the issue lies within the policy domain of the government and therefore did not warrant judicial intervention.
“Since the matter falls in the domain of the State, we are not inclined to interfere; however, the petitioner can make a representation to the Union of India, which will be considered on its own merits,” the Bench stated in its order.
Petitioner calls for eco-based consumer awareness
The petition, filed by Dr Sanjay Kulshrestha, argued that implementing a vehicle star-rating system — similar to those followed in several developed nations — would help consumers make environmentally conscious choices and thereby contribute to curbing vehicular pollution.
Drawing parallels with the energy-efficiency star ratings already in place for appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners, the plea contended that automobiles, which significantly affect public health due to emissions, should also be rated for their environmental performance.
“Our luxury shouldn’t create problems for others,” Dr Kulshrestha stated in the petition, stressing that the proposed system would encourage buyers to opt for cleaner, more efficient vehicles.
Cites alarming air pollution-linked fatalities
The PIL cited data showing that air pollution caused 2.1 million deaths in India in 2021, with 60 per cent linked to PM2.5 emissions — a major pollutant from vehicular exhaust.
Referring to a study published in The Lancet Regional Health, the plea added that PM2.5-related air pollution claims around 33,000 lives annually in major Indian cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.
With the court’s refusal to intervene, the issue has now been left to the Union government, which may decide on the feasibility and implementation of such a system as part of its broader clean mobility and pollution control policies.
