The Supreme Court has reversed the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) prohibition on three diesel armoured vehicles, a decision made in March of this year. These armoured vehicles, produced by the French automotive manufacturer Renault, were utilized by the Special Protection Group (SPG), which is tasked with ensuring the safety of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The NGT's ban was implemented after the vehicles surpassed their 10-year operational limit. However, the Supreme Court has granted them an extension, permitting registration for an additional five years.

In March, the NGT had prohibited the use of these three diesel armoured vehicles designated for the Prime Minister's security, citing their service commencement in December 2014. The NGT dismissed the SPG's request to prolong the lifespan of these specialized vehicles, which are frequently seen in Prime Minister Modi's motorcade during public events. By refusing to allow the renewal of their registration, the NGT noted that these vehicles possess BS-III certification, which does not align with previous directives from both the NGT and the Supreme Court to ban all diesel vehicles over 10 years old from operating in the Delhi-NCR region.

Why Supreme Court overturned NGT ban on diesel cars?

On Monday, December 16, the Supreme Court approved an extension for three vehicles following a hearing regarding the Special Protection Group's (SPG) appeal against a prior order from the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The court emphasized the significance of these vehicles, acknowledging the SPG's argument that they are an "essential and integral part of Special Protection Group technical logistics."

This decision by the Supreme Court stands in contrast to its 2018 ruling, which prohibited diesel vehicles older than ten years from operating on the roads of Delhi. This earlier ruling was based on a 2015 directive from the NGT aimed at curbing pollution in the national capital.

In opposition to the NGT's ruling, the SPG argued that the vehicles remain suitable for service, noting that none of the three armored vehicles have exceeded 15,000 kilometers of use in the past decade. All three vehicles, identified as Renault MD-5, were produced in 2013 and registered in Delhi on December 24, 2014.

Renault's armoured vehicles: What do they offer?

The Renault armoured specialized vehicles are equipped with a 4.76-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, delivering an impressive output of 215 bhp and a peak torque of 800 Nm. Weighing 11 tonnes, the vehicle can achieve a maximum speed of 110 km/h. It is designed for off-road capabilities, can transport over two tons of payload, and accommodates up to 10 individuals.

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