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1995 DIGILAW 502 (SC)

M. C. Mehta v. Union of India

1995-03-28

A.M.AHMADI, G.T.NANAVATI, K.S.PARIPOORNAN

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JUDGMENT : Pursuant to this Court's order passed on the earlier occasion, arrangements have been made to supply unleaded petrol with effect from 1st April, 1995 through few selected retail outlets in the four metropolitan cities of Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta and Madras. In all 154 retail outlets in the aforesaid four cities are proposed to be provided for to begin with and there would be a periodical increase in the number of outlets depending on the demand situation yearwise from 1995-96 and onwards. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has assured that the number of retail outlets selling unleaded petrol would be progressively increased according to the demand. So far as the suggestion made in the order of 21st October, 1994 is concerned, we are told that the Government of India has obtained the views of the various departments and in all 37 departments have responded. We are further told that there are certain inherent problems in carrying out the suggestion of converting all Government vehicles to CNG, but the details of the problems have not been indicated. As a first step, cars of Government offices located in the proximity of existing five CNG retail outlets could be converted in a phased manner. We would like to know the details of the problems so that we are able to appreciate the same and apply our mind with a view to determining whether or not the proposal to convert all Government vehicles to CNG can be implemented without loss of time. We feel that this step would help in reducing the vernacular pollution in this city to some extent. Additionally, the supply of lead free petrol with effect from 1st April, 1995 would also contribute in the reduction of the pollution in this city. But, much more has to be done. Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the Industries has also assured that sufficient number of cars, which could run on unleaded petrol, would be sold in the four metropolitan cities so that there is sufficient demand for unleaded petrol. In order that we may be apprised of the problem in regard to the conversion to CNG, we would like that the concerned officer from the concerned Ministry should be present in Court tomorrow to enable us to pass further orders. 2. Let the matter come up tomorrow.