NGT rejects SPG plea to extend life of 3 Prime Minister’s vehicles

Original Application No.21/2024: “Vardhaman Kaushik VS. Union of India & Ors.” on 28.02.2024

• This application was filed by Special Protection Group (SPG) which is a part of Cabinet Secretariat of Union of India and is an Armed Force of Union of India to provide proximate security to the Prime Minister of India and members of his immediate family.

• In the application, prayer was to direct Transport Department, NCT of Delhi /Registering Authority to allow extension of registration period of Specialized Armoured Vehicles (03 Nos.) by five years i.e. till 23/12/2029.

• Grievance of the applicant was that these vehicles were registered upto 23.12.2029 but registration of these vehicles will be cancelled and they will stand deregistered w.e.f. 24.12.2024 on completion of 10 years from the date of initial registration.

• Hon’ble Supreme Court by order dated 29.10.2018 passed in WP (C) No. 13029/1985: M.C. Mehta Vs. Union of India & Ors., had restricting the use of diesel vehicle only upto 10 years. Therefore, NGT observed that permission cannot be granted to the applicant for extension of registration of the vehicles in question which were BS-III vehicles.

• The NGT held as follows:

“We are conscious of the fact that these three vehicles are special purpose vehicles which are not normally available and these vehicles have run very less in the last ten years and are needed for the specific purpose of security of the Prime Minister but in view of the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 29.10.2018 (Supra), the prayer made in the M.A. cannot be granted.”