In an important step toward environmental protection and clean transportation, the Supreme Court has directed the Union Government to submit a status report on the measures taken to promote electric vehicles (EVs) and develop related infrastructure across India.

“Learned Attorney General for India seeks and is granted four weeks’ time to place on record the policy decision taken by the Union of India from time to time for promoting the electric vehicles and also for setting-up of the requisite infrastructure to facilitate the consumers of electric vehicles,”
– Supreme Court Order, April 22, 2025​.

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This direction came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2019 by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, Common Cause, and SitaRam Jindal Foundation. The PIL highlights the harmful effects of fossil fuel-run vehicles and the government’s delay in implementing clean mobility policies. The petition argues that the government failed to uphold citizens' rights to health and a clean environment under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.

“Government has abdicated its duty to protect the citizens' right to health and clean environment under Article 14 and Article 21,”
– Petitioners’ Statement.

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Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioners, pointed out that the government had set a target in 2012 to have 70 lakh EVs on the road by 2020. However, by 2025, only 35 lakh EVs are in use. He also criticized the poor development of charging stations, with only 27,000 installed against a target of 2.27 lakh.

Bhushan emphasized that over 26 crore fossil fuel-based vehicles still run on Indian roads, heavily contributing to pollution. He argued that without adequate charging stations and infrastructure, consumers cannot fully shift to EVs.

In response, the bench of Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh acknowledged that while policies play a role, market readiness and public trust are also crucial. Justice Kant further noted the automobile industry’s significant role in the economy and employment generation.

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The Supreme Court also reminded the Centre about earlier directions issued in 2020 regarding EV promotion, charging stations, alternative fuels like hydrogen, and the need for a "feebate" system—penalizing polluting vehicles while incentivizing cleaner options.

The Court listed the matter for further hearing on May 14, 2025, giving the Union four weeks to submit its report. The outcome is expected to influence future transportation policies in India and reinforce the country's commitment to reducing air pollution and combating climate change.

Case Title: CENTRE FOR PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION AND ORS. Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ANR., W.P.(C) No. 228/2019