Supreme Court suggests phased ban on luxury petrol, diesel cars to promote EV shift

The Supreme Court recently suggested that the Central government consider a phased ban on high-end petrol and diesel cars to encourage wider use of electric vehicles (EVs).

The suggestion came during the hearing of a PIL filed by the Center for Public Interest Litigation, represented by lawyer Prashant Bhushan. The petition seeks to implement existing government policies to promote the purchase and use of EVs.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, hearing the case on November 13, 2025, said the first ban could be imposed on premium internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles often used by VIPs and big companies.

Justice Kant said that larger electric cars are now available and can provide similar convenience. He said the phased ban on these luxury models would affect only a small, wealthy group and would not affect the general population.

The bench also suggested pilot projects in major metropolitan cities to speed up the transition from ICE vehicles to EVs. The judges said that as EV use increases, demand for charging stations will also increase, encouraging fuel stations and transportation hubs to install chargers.

Attorney General R Venkataramani told the court that 13 ministries are involved in work related to EV promotion and infrastructure. He said the Center will file a consolidated status report listing all policy notifications and progress made so far, including under frameworks such as the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan.

The bench asked whether the current EV policies, some of which are more than five years old, need to be reviewed. It called for a fresh look at the existing policy framework and said it would examine the government’s detailed report at the next hearing in four weeks.

If adopted, the proposal could make luxury petrol and diesel cars the first group targeted in India’s shift towards electric mobility.