NEWS – The Supreme Court recently abolished its own directive issued in 2017 that made a valid pollution under control (PUC) certificate mandatory for renewal of third-party insurance policy.

HIGHLIGHTS

Background

• Original 2017 Directive: Required a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate for the renewal of third-party car insurance.
• Reason for Directive: Issued on the recommendation of the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) to control pollution levels in Delhi.

Recent Developments

• Court’s Recent Order: The Supreme Court abolished its 2017 directive.
• Reason for Revision:
  • Detrimental Impact: Solicitor General highlighted that 55% of vehicles lacked insurance due to the PUC requirement, affecting accident compensation claims.
  • Implementation Issues: The court noted that enforcing the 2017 directive might lead to some vehicles operating without insurance.

Court’s Decision

• Outcome: The court decided to delete the directive linking PUC certification to insurance renewal.

About Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

• Purpose: Validates that a vehicle’s emission levels meet government standards.
• Requirements:
  • Mandatory for all vehicles under the Central Motor Vehicles Rule 1989.
  • New vehicles are exempt in the first year; thereafter, regular tests are required.
• Penalties: Failure to produce a valid PUC certificate can result in fines, imprisonment, and license disqualification.

Obtaining a PUC Certificate

• Process: Available from government-authorized emission test centers with computerized facilities, involving a thorough exhaust gas examination.