NGT seeks Centre’s response on plea to ban Volkswagen vehicles’ sale | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

NGT seeks Centre’s response on plea to ban Volkswagen vehicles’ sale

PTI | By, New Delhi
Nov 30, 2015 02:30 PM IST

The National Green Tribunal on Monday sought the central government and the German automobile giant Volkswagen’s response on a plea seeking a ban on manufacture and sale of its vehicles in the country for allegedly flouting emission norms.

The National Green Tribunal on Monday sought the central government and the German automobile giant Volkswagen’s response on a plea seeking a ban on manufacture and sale of its vehicles in the country for allegedly flouting emission norms.

In this file photo, the logo of Volkswagen is displayed on a car. The NGT has sought the centre and Volkswagen’s response to a plea seeking a ban on sale and manufacture of its vehicles.(AP Photo)
In this file photo, the logo of Volkswagen is displayed on a car. The NGT has sought the centre and Volkswagen’s response to a plea seeking a ban on sale and manufacture of its vehicles.(AP Photo)

A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notice to the ministry of heavy industries and public enterprises, ministry of environment, forest and climate change, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Volkswagen group, asking them to respond by December 23.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The directions came while hearing a plea by Saloni Ailawadi, a Delhi-based school teacher, who had sought directions to disallow “manufacturing, assembly and sale” of vehicles manufactured by Volkswagen and its group companies until it is established that they are in accordance with norms in India.

Ailawadi had referred to Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)’s recent report and alleged that Volkswagen and its group companies in India were “polluting the environment in blatant disregard to regulations” by selling vehicles which produce nitrogen oxide nine times higher than prescribed limit.

Ailawadi had stated that she was “deeply” concerned on account of Volkswagen’s “admitted calculated and deliberate deceit of environmental norms, thereby endangering lives of Indian and global citizens”.

“Vehicles manufactured and sold by Volkswagen have been polluting the environment in blatant and utter disregard to government regulations, thereby endangering the lives of millions of people who are being forced to inhale poisonous fumes and suffer extreme misery on account of ill health,” the plea read.

“Direct thorough inspection of vehicles being imported and sold by Volkswagen in India after their import and to disallow any further sale of such vehicles until and unless it is established that the same are not in contravene of statutory and prescribed norms as applicable in India,” it said.

Earlier, the government had issued notice to Volkswagen after ARAI found “significant variations” in on-road emission levels in the diesel models of Jetta, Octavia, Audi A4 and Audi A6 in India.

Volkswagen has admitted that 11 million diesel engine cars worldwide were fitted with the cheating device that helped in manipulating emission tests.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On