Delhi HC directs app-based cabs to shift from diesel to CNG by March 1, 2016

The Delhi High Court has set the deadline of February 28, 2016 for all app-based cab services to convert their vehicles from diesel to CNG. The court said from March 1, no diesel cabs will be allowed to operate on Delhi roads.

Justice Manmohan also ordered that companies like Ola and Uber that are willing to give an undertaking saying that they will phase out their diesel cabs within the given time frame will only be allowed to operate now.

The court observed that imposing ban on the app-based cab services would not be a practical solution till the government can ensure its enforcement. For those cab service companies who do not give an undertaking, the order of July 29, that put a ban on diesel cabs, will have to be strictly enforced on them.

"As the entire public transport will be shifting to CNG, sometime needs to be given to them. I do not want public to suffer. Those who are willing to give me an undertaking, I will give them some time. And for the rest, my order dated July 29 will apply with immediate effect," Justice Manmohan said.