Published 18:52 IST, November 4th 2019
SC questions logic behind the Delhi govt's Odd-Even; Seeks report
A Supreme Court bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Deepak Gupta questioned the logic behind the Odd-Even scheme being implemented by the Delhi government.
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On Monday, the Supreme Court (SC) questioned the logic behind the Odd-Even scheme being implemented by the Delhi government. A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Deepak Gupta were hearing the matters pertaining to stubble burning leading to high levels of pollution in the national capital. Initially, the Amicus Curiae informed the apex court that two-three wheelers caused more pollution than the 4 wheelers due to their sheer numbers. This was followed by Justice Mishra inquiring about the aim of the Odd-Even scheme.
A report sought from Delhi government
Justice Mishra highlighted that while private cars were bring stopped, vehicles such as autorickshaws and taxis were being allowed to ply. He contended that the latter would ply more and equally pollute the national capital. At the same time, he stated that the court could consider some innovative incentives for the people. Similarly, Justice Gupta pointed out that the airport Metro was mostly empty. He added that the Delhi government had introduced only 300 buses as against their promise of 3000 buses. Justice Gupta opined that the solution was to move from single-use vehicles to mass transport. Subsequently, the SC bench directed the Delhi government to submit a report by Friday containing data on the difference between stopping 4 wheelers and using only two or three-wheelers. It asked the government to prove that pollution had reduced because of this initiative.
The Odd-Even scheme
The Odd-Even scheme entails that vehicles with odd and even number plates will ply on alternate days. It has commenced from Monday and will continue till November 15. Women-driven vehicles, cars ferrying school children, taxis, ministers of the Central government have been exempted from the ambit of this scheme. However, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his ministerial colleagues will abide by the Odd-Even rule. Addressing the media on Monday, Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia claimed that there was high compliance pertaining to this scheme and stated that 192 challans had been issued.
17:27 IST, November 4th 2019