‘Whether Particular Device Be Adopted For Curbing Air Pollution Is Policy Matter’: SC Dismisses Plea To Mandate ‘Vehicular Mask’ For All Automobiles

The Supreme Court dismissed a plea to require the authorities to confirm efficacy of ‘Vehicular Masks’ in curbing air pollution and subsequently, make it mandatory for all vehicles to incorporate the device. “Whether a particular device should be adopted for controlling air pollution is a matter of policy which lies within the domain of the statutory authorities concerned”, held the bench headed by Justice D. Y. Chandrachud in dismissing the petition. The bench, however, allowed the petitioner to make an appropriate representation before the competent authorities. The bench was hearing the plea by one Madan Mohan Manocha, seeking a writ directing the Central Pollution Control Board and the government of India to submit “the robust research evidence-based outcomes. supported by necessary Test and Trails”, of Vehicular Mask, from any govt. or privately owned laboratory of their preference and choice. This was with a view to validate the proposed claims of the petitioner-in-person as regards the helpfulness of the Vehicular Mask to curb air pollution.