POLLUTION UNDER CONTROL CERTIFICATE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 - Env and Eco)

Context: The Supreme Court has overturned its 2017 directive requiring a valid pollution under control (PUC) certificate for the renewal of third-party insurance policies.

Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

• About: The PUC Certificate, often referred to as the pollution certificate, is a mandatory document for every vehicle owner in India.
• Legal Requirement: This certificate states that you can legally ride/drive a vehicle in India with respect to meeting environmental standards.
• Emission Levels Validation: It is a validation document that states that the vehicle’s emission levels are within the permissible levels set by the government.
• Compliance with Rules: All vehicles on Indian roads are required to possess a valid PUC certificate under the Central Motor Vehicles Rule 1989.
• Initial Exemption: Usually, a new vehicle is exempt from PUC in the first year. Following this, the vehicle has to undergo mandatory PUC tests at regular intervals to get a validity certificate.
• Validity Period: A PUC certificate is usually valid for a year from the date of issue.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to produce a PUC certificate can invite a fine of up to Rs 10,000 or six months of imprisonment or both under the Motor Vehicle Act.
• Licence Disqualification: The vehicle owner may also be disqualified from holding their licence for three months.
• Certificate Cancellation: If the vehicle is found to be emitting fumes beyond the prescribed limit, despite possessing a valid PUC certificate, the certificate will be cancelled. The vehicle owner will have to obtain a new PUC certificate within seven days.
• Applicability to All Vehicles: The PUC certificate rule is applicable to CNG-powered vehicles in addition to petrol and diesel vehicles.

2017 Order of Supreme Court

• Rising Pollution Levels: The 2017 order was passed in response to increasing pollution levels in Delhi.
• Court's Measures: The court implemented drastic measures to control the pollution levels.
• Insurance Policy Condition: The 2017 order required insurance companies to insure vehicles only if they had a valid PUC certificate at the time of insurance renewal.
• GIC's Objection: The General Insurance Corporation (GIC) argued that the order was made without their input or that of other insurance companies.
• Balance of Compliance: In May of this year, the court emphasized balancing vehicle compliance with PUC norms and ensuring insurance coverage.
• Notice Issued: A notice was issued addressing the need for vehicles to meet both PUC and insurance requirements.

Role of EPCA

• EPCA's Recommendation: The 2017 order was based on the recommendation of the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA).
• EPCA's Role: EPCA is a statutory body that assists the court on environmental and pollution-related issues.