The Delhi government has temporarily halted the campaign to seize vehicles that are 10 to 15 years old in the national capital. In a letter to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Delhi government stated that the current system used to seize vehicles is flawed. The letter, along with statements from government representatives, clearly indicates that the crackdown on old vehicles in Delhi will now be paused.
This has raised an important question: What will happen to the End-of-Life vehicles that were seized over the past two days in Delhi? Will the owners be able to reclaim their vehicles?
Recovery from the Transport Department May Not Be Easy
According to sources close to the Delhi government, this policy was originally intended to be implemented during the previous administration. However, the Aam Aadmi Party government had not enforced it until now. Since the seized vehicles were impounded under the old policy, recovering them from the Transport Department could be a difficult process.
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What Do Transport Experts Say?
Experts point to an existing circular issued by the Delhi government that provides guidelines for transferring Delhi-registered vehicles to other states. According to this circular, vehicle owners must submit an affidavit declaring their intention to shift the vehicle outside Delhi. Additionally, a fine of ₹10,000 must be paid.
Apart from this, owners will also have to cover the costs incurred by the Transport Department for seizing the vehicle. Once these conditions are met, the seized vehicle can be returned to the owner—but it will not be permitted to operate within Delhi.