Bhubaneswar: In a significant ruling, a division bench of the Orissa High Court comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M.S. Raman has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the issuance of Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) for motor vehicles.
Odisha Transport Minister through an official press release posted on his ‘X’ handle informed regarding the High Court judgment.
Acording to the press release, the PIL, filed by Advocate Snigdharani Patra, was dismissed after the court agreed with the arguments presented by Advocate General Pitambar Acharya, representing the state government. Advocate General Acharya contended that the state government possesses full legal authority under the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. He specifically highlighted provisions under Section 167 and Sub-section 12 of the Act, which make it mandatory to clear outstanding challans (fines) that are more than 90 days old before applying for a PUCC.
He emphasized that if a challan remains unpaid beyond 90 days, the pollution status of the vehicle cannot be certified or checked. Acharya further argued that the PIL was inadmissible, as the central government has also provided clarity on this matter. He stressed the dual importance of road safety and environmental protection in the present context, noting that both the central and state governments base their decisions on established legal provisions.
The government’s policy on PUCC issuance was described as entirely legal, supported by various precedents from the Supreme Court and different High Courts across the country. After considering all the facts, evidence, and legal submissions, the High Court dismissed the PIL and upheld the legality of the government’s decision.
