Supreme Court Approves Hike in Environment Compensation Charge for Delhi-Bound Commercial Vehicles

The Supreme Court approved a proposal to enhance the Environment Compensation Charge (ECC) for commercial vehicles entering Delhi to combat air pollution.

A Bench led by CJI Surya Kant accepted recommendations from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to revise rates effective April 1, 2026.

The Court also mandated a 5% annual increase in the ECC to ensure the deterrent remains effective against inflation.

Emphasizing that non-essential commercial traffic should utilize peripheral expressways, the Bench noted the revision is "reasonable, just, and fair". The move aims to significantly discourage diesel vehicle entry into the capital.

[MC Mehta v. UOI]