In a significant development, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has written to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, requesting an immediate suspension of the End-of-Life (EOL) vehicle ban in the national capital. Citing both emotional and financial hardship for the middle class, the LG has also called for a review of the 2018 Supreme Court order that underpins the policy.

In his letter, LG Saxena argued that Delhi is “not yet ready” to implement such stringent restrictions, especially when viable alternatives and infrastructure for scrapping and replacing old vehicles remain inadequate. The EOL vehicle policy, enforced as per Supreme Court guidelines, currently mandates the de-registration and banning of diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years.

“The middle class is bearing the brunt of this order. Families are emotionally attached to their vehicles and replacing them imposes a serious financial burden. This is not a policy that reflects ground realities,” Saxena stated.

The LG emphasized that the enforcement of this policy, without adequate public transport upgrades or transition assistance, disproportionately affects daily wage earners, small business owners, and salaried households. “Before we enforce such life-altering measures, the state must be equipped to offer viable, affordable alternatives,” the letter added.

Saxena also urged the Delhi government to approach the Supreme Court with a request to reconsider or review its 2018 directive, arguing that the context and technological advancements have evolved over the past seven years.