The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the drafting of the safety standards and emission norms for quadricycles by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is in its final stages. The vehicles are increasingly becoming popular as a public transport for the common man to travel short distances in busy thoroughfares.
The government was replying to questions raised by public interest litigation (PIL) petitioners, including Rita Das Mozumdar, as to why these vehicles — owned by private parties — were allowed on the roads or introduced in the market before prescribing their safety and emissions standards.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra took on record the submission made by the government that these small four-wheelers, with a mass of up to 1500 kg, “may endanger safety of all concerned” unless safety and emission norms are put in place.
The Delhi High Court had recently passed interim orders directing the Central government not to permit auto manufacturers to release and sell quadricycles.
Under constant pressure from the apex court, on January 29, 2018, the government finally submitted that “relevant rules/instructions have been worked out for the safety standards for quadricycles”.
On February 24, Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand submitted that the matters are at the final stage of the consideration by the Ministry of Road Transport.
“Having regard to the nature of the issue, we permit the parties before this court to file their suggestions, if any, to the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport, Central government within a period of two weeks. The same be given due consideration and the matter may thereafter be finalised expeditiously,” the court ordered.
