Delhi Government Orders Inquiry into Scrapping of Overaged Vehicles
The Delhi government has initiated an inquiry into the mass scrapping of overaged vehicles during the time of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This comes after complaints from vehicle owners who claim they were not compensated after their vehicles were confiscated and wrecked.
Investigation Launched by Environment Minister
The Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, has officially started an investigation into the process that led to the scrapping of nearly 40,000 vehicles in 2024.
The scrapping initiative targeted petrol vehicles over 15 years old and diesel vehicles older than 10 years. In 2023, more than 22,000 vehicles met the same fate.
Concerns and Allegations
Mr. Sirsa expressed concerns that the prescribed scrapping procedure might not have been followed correctly in many instances. Owners have reported not receiving the promised scrap value and there are suspicions of vehicles being illegally redirected to other states.
The inquiry will also investigate whether owners were issued the essential Certificate of Deposit (CoD) that proves scrappage and enables them to claim benefits on taxes or registration within the set time limit.
There are grievances about owners not being allowed to retrieve personal items from their impounded vehicles after they were towed away.
Charges and Controversy
Additionally, there are claims of inflated towing and handling charges, surpassing the prescribed limits of the Delhi Parking Rules, 2019. Some owners allege being overcharged even after receiving release orders.
The controversy began in March 2023 with the Transport Department cracking down on overaged vehicles due to instructions from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The issue was contested by the then Transport Minister, Kailash Gahlot, who described the impounding as unauthorized and intrusive.
Despite initial halts, the impoundment drive resumed following CAQM’s insistence, leading to a legal battle that reached the Delhi High Court. Vehicle owners were permitted to reclaim their impounded vehicles under strict terms, including moving them out of the National Capital Region (NCR).
Final Thoughts
With a significant number of vehicles already removed from the roads, questions arise about the transparency of the process. The inquiry aims to uncover any violations of scrapping regulations, discrepancies in compensation, and any unjust enrichment at the cost of the public.
Minister Sirsa assured that the results of the investigation would be shared publicly and any malpractice discovered would face consequences.
