The Delhi High Court has granted an exemption to advocates and judicial staff residing in the National Capital Region (NCR) from restrictions on vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards. The relief will allow them to travel to the capital for court-related work, but only on court working days.
On November 6, 2026, Justice Amit Mahajan passed the order while hearing a petition filed by the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA). The Association had sought relief for lawyers and judicial staff who regularly commute to Delhi from neighbouring NCR cities, including Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad.
Background
The DHCBA approached the High Court seeking an exemption for advocates travelling to Delhi to attend court proceedings, meet clients and participate in other professional engagements.
The restriction was introduced through a notification dated June 23, 2026, issued by the Delhi Government's Department of Environment and Forests. It prohibits vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not comply with BS-VI emission standards from plying in the capital between November 1, 2026, and January 31, 2027.
The Association argued that the restriction could prevent advocates from reaching court at scheduled hearing times, potentially affecting litigants whose cases they represent. It also pointed out that the notification empowers the Environment Department to grant exemptions to additional categories of vehicles.
Senior Advocate N Hariharan, appearing for the DHCBA, submitted that advocates and judicial staff perform essential functions in the administration of justice. He argued that preventing them from reaching court could disrupt judicial work and affect the functioning of the justice delivery system.
He further submitted that the government had the authority to grant exemptions and referred to the relief previously extended to advocates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Association also relied on a 2021 Delhi High Court order under which advocates were permitted to travel for court-related work upon producing their professional identity documents.
After hearing the submissions, Justice Amit Mahajan granted the requested exemption to advocates and judicial staff residing in the NCR from the restrictions on non-BS-VI vehicles registered outside Delhi.
The Court clarified that the exemption would apply only on court working days.
