New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued multiple directions to ensure effective implementation of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) and colour-coded stickers on vehicles as part of the ongoing proceedings in MC Mehta vs. Union of India, a public interest litigation concerning vehicular pollution.
A Bench comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan expressed serious concern over the poor compliance with Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, particularly with regard to vehicles registered before April 1, 2019.
The Court directed the Union of India (UoI) to collect and present updated compliance data from all states and Union Territories on the implementation of HSRP for vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, by June 30, 2025.
The Court noted that apart from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, and Sikkim, compliance remains poor across most regions.
The Bench pointed out that 14 states and UTs have failed to submit compliance reports altogether. Among these are Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Noting that states like Madhya Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir have reported less than 50% compliance for vehicles registered after April 1, 2019, the Court directed them to file fresh compliance reports by June 30, 2025, to the Union Government.
Referring to its previous order dated January 27, 2025, the court reiterated the need for strict implementation of its directions regarding colour-coded stickers on vehicles, a measure aimed at curbing pollution by differentiating fuel types.
On IA 6627/2025, the Court clarified that while High Courts may continue to deal with pending matters, they must ensure that such proceedings do not interfere with or contradict the Supreme Court’s orders related to vehicle pollution control and HSRP implementation.
The Bench took note of affidavits submitted by various states to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and directed the Amicus Curiae to prepare a note summarising the action required. This will aid the court in issuing further directions.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the Court that by end of April, the Centre would come up with a proposal for clean mobility and electrification of government vehicles.
The Bench emphasised that Rule 50, governing affixation of HSRPs, has been in existence for 24 years, and such persistent non-compliance defeats the purpose of ensuring uniform vehicular safety and pollution control.
The matter will be taken up for further hearing after the union and state governments file updated compliance data as directed.
